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THE  NEW  CONVERT 


THE 

New  Convert 


A  Drama  in  Four  A8is 
by  Sergei  Stepniak 


Translated  from  the  Russian 
by  Thomas  B.  Eyges 


BOSTON 
The  Stratford  Co.,  Publishers 


PRESERVATION 
COPY  ADDED 
ORIGINAL  TO  BE 
RETAINED 


NOV  281994 


Copyright,  1917,  by  The  Stratford  Co.,  Publishers 


All  Rights  Beserved 


The  Alpine  Frebs,  Bobton,  Mass. 


(^,^^Cl 


SERGEI   STEPNIAK 

BY 

Prince  Peter  Kropotkin 

Sergei  Stepniak  occupies  one  of  the  most  prominent 
places  among  the  heroes  that  the  Russian  Revolution- 
ary movement  has  produced. 

He  was  only  20  years  old  when  he  resigned  from 
his  position  as  an  artillery  officer  in  the  Russian  army. 
At  that  time  he  already  took  an  active  part  in  the 
Tchaikofsky  group ;  and  there  I  met  him  for  the  first 
time  in  1872,  together  with  Sophia  Perofskaya  and 
others  who  have  since  then  either  been  executed  or  have 
died  in  the  prisons  or  in  exile.  At  that  time  Stepniak 
was  already  well  loved  by  everybody  in  the  group  for 
his  bravery  and  his  fidelity  to  the  cause,  as  well  as  for 
his  wonderfully  simple  and  clean  character. 

He  was  one  of  the  pioneers  who  decided  to  "go  to 
the  people."  Disguised  as  a  laborer,  he  mingled 
among  the  peasants  in  the  villages.  At  the  beginning 
of  the  so-called  "terrorist"  movement  he  was  one  of  its 
pioneers  and  heroes. 

His  English  essays  about  Russia  —  and  there  are 
seven  volumes  of  them  —  are  full  of  intense  love  for 
the  peasantry  and  hatred  for  its  oppressors.  His 
"Underground  Russia",  a  book  describing  the  revolu- 
tionary propaganda  amongst  the  Russian  peasants, 
made  a  great  impression  in  the  world  of  literature. 
He  was  an  ardent  believer  in  the  revolutionary  move- 
ment among  the  masses;   and  while  the  submissive 


369928 


vi  SERGEI   STEPNIAK 

servility  of  the  people  at  times  drove  him  to  despair, 
he  would  leap  for  joy  at  the  news  of  a  revolt.  He  also 
believed  in  the  necessity  of  a  movement  amongst  the 
intelligent  classes,  which  should  go  hand  in  hand  with 
the  people's  movement.  To  accomplish  this  was  his 
main  object.  At  the  uprising  in  the  Balkans  and  the 
rebellion  at  Benevente,  Italy,  he  joined  the  rebels  with 
gun  in  hand.  Only  a  few  days  before  his  death,  he 
was  ready  to  join  the  Armenian  uprising.  He  hated 
oppression  in  any  of  its  forms, — be  it  in  the  life  of  a 
nation  or  family  or  party. 

In  England  his  writings  had  a  great  influence.  He 
succeeded  in  creating  a  deep  sympathy  for  the  Rus- 
sian revolutionist,  and  for  the  Russian  woman  and 
peasant.  His  life  companion,  who  for  many  years 
shared  with  him  all  his  sufferings,  knew  better  than 
anyone  else  that  he  lived  for  his  convictions  only. 
Just  before  his  death,  he  said:  "To  live  for  the  cause 
is  harder  than  to  die  for  it." 

He  was  a  stranger  to  the  feeling  of  fear;  it  was  as 
foreign  to  him  as  colors  are  to  a  person  born  blind. 
He  was  ready  to  risk  his  life  every  moment. 

Egotism  as  well  as  narrow  partisanship  was  un- 
known to  him;  he  believed  that  in  a  movement  to  de- 
feat oppression  there  are  always  parties  and  factions 
with  differences  of  opinion, — "but  let  every  party  do 
its  share  in  the  work  for  the  common  good,  the  best 
it  know9»how" — he  used  to  say  — "and  the  result  will 
be  much  greater  for  the  cause,  than  the  centralized 
sheep-like  unity  that  paralyzes  the  initiative  powers 
of  others  through  its  own  strict  orders."  He  also  could 
not  understand  why  there  should  be  strife  among  the 


•       SERGEI    STEPNIAK  vii 

various  parties,  since  all  are  involved  in  the  struggle 
against  a  common  enemy. 

This  was  the  result  of  his  inborn  instinct  for  justice. 
I  have  known  but  few  people  who  have  possessed  this 
instinct  developed  to  such  a  degree.  He  could  make  a 
mistake  when  all  the  circumstances  of  an  act  were  not 
known  to  him ;  but  just  as  soon  as  he  knew  the  motives 
of  this  or  that  act,  he  understood  it  and  realized  it  in 
all  its  noble  beauty.  In  such  cases  he  was  as  emotional 
as  the  greatest  poets  are. 

When  he  heard  someone  relating  about  an  injustice, 
he  was  at  once  ready  to  annihilate  the  oppressor.  I 
shall  never  forget  the  expression  of  his  face,  when  I 
related  to  him  the  treatment  our  comrades  had  re- 
ceived in  France  and  Italy.  And  yet  he  was  kindness 
personified. 

Whoever  knew  him  loved  him. 

The  children  in  Russia  worshipped  him.  He  spent 
some  of  the  most  enjoyable  moments  of  his  life  in 
America  where,  surrounded  by  bright  black  faces,  he 
taught  in  a  negro  school. 

Sergei  Stepniak  was  killed  by  a  train,  about  three- 
hundred  feet  away  from  his  house.  He  left  his  house 
about  10.30  in  the  morning,  in  order  to  visit  a  gather- 
ing of  friends  and  comrades  in  Shepherd's  Bush 
(London).  A  few  bricklayers  who  knew  him  well 
saw  him  go  by.  He  was  absorbed  in  a  book,  which  he 
read  while  walking.  He  had  to  cross  a  single  track 
of  a  branch  line,  between  Hammersmith  and  South 
Acton.  The  place  was  very  dangerous;  one  has  to 
cross  the  track  hastily  and  very  carefully.  At  first 
glance  one  would  think  he  could  make  it  in  a  single 


viii  SERGEI    STEPNIAK     * 

leap,  but  in  reality  one  has  to  make  about  seven  steps 
across  the  track,  in  order  to  be  out  of  danger.  The 
sharp  turn  prevents  the  pedestrian  from  noticing  the 
oncoming  of  a  train.  When  the  engineer  saw  Stepniak 
crossing  the  track,  he  sounded  the  whistle;  but  before 
Stepniak  had  time  to  turn  his  head,  the  train  knocked 
him  down,  killing  him  instantly.  One  of  the  brick- 
layers who  saw  the  accident  ran  to  Stepniak's  house 
and  informed  his  wife  of  the  sad  news. 

The  following  Saturday  the  cremation  of  his  body 
took  place.  Hundreds  of  his  friends  came  to  his  house 
and  walked  to  the  Ravenscourt  Park  cemetery.  At 
the  Waterloo  station,  from  where  the  train  leaves  for 
Wauking,  thousands  of  workingmen  assembled  with 
their  banners,  representing  the  societies  and  Labor 
Unions  of  various  parts  of  London.  Opposite  the 
station,  in  a  downpour  of  rain,  speeches  were  held  by 
English,  Russian,  Italian,  German  and  Armenian 
friends,  who  were  often  interrupted  by  the  loud  sobs- 
of  the  assembled.  The  manifestation  was  both  magni- 
ficent and  heart-breaking. 

I  have  seen  funerals  large  in  numbers,  but  I  have 
never  seen  a  funeral  with  so  much  deep  grief  and 
sorrow  as  was  manifested  by  the  mourners  at  the 
funeral  of  Sergei  Stepniak. 

When  the  terrible  accident  happened,  he  was  only 
43  years  of  age,  full  of  strength  and  courage,  full  of 
hope  and  belief  in  the  future.  On  the  very  day  of 
the  accident  his  long  wished-for  desire  was  to  be  ac- 
complished, a  desire  to  establish  a  Review,  which 
should  be  a  literary  meeting  place  for  all  Russian 
Revolutionists.    He  had  a  complete  program  article, 


SERGEI   STEPNIAK  ix 

which  was  to  go  to  press  that  day.  Hundreds  of  letters 
and  telegrams  received  at  his  funeral,  attested  to  his 
value  to  the  Russian  Revolutionary  movement.  He 
was  its  central  figure. 

The  time  will  come,  when  history  will  tell  what 
Sergei  Stepniak  did  for  the  Revolutionary  movement 
in  Russia! 


CHARACTERS 


MOORINOV  —  Pavel  Michailovitch,  a  man  of  wealth 

MOORINOVA  —  Maria  Ivanovna,  his  wife 

KATE,  their  daughter 

COUNT  MENTIROV,  prime  minister 

ALEXANDER  PETROVICH   VOLKOV,   a  young 
military  officer  (nephew  of  Mentirov) 

NICOLAI   NOROV,   a  young   man,   a  neighbor   of 
Moorinov 

GORLO  V  —  Dimitry  Stepanovitch,  a  government  clerk 

GORLOVA  —  Feodora  Ivanovna,  his  wife,  sister  to 
Mrs.  Moorinova 

MASHA,  a  house  maid 

AKULINA,  a  servant 

Lackeys,  musicians,  etc. 


ACT  ONE 

Scene  :  A  large  room  richly  furnished.  A  sofa  on 
the  left.  Draperies  over  the  windows.  On  the  right, 
a  chiffonier,  and  near  it  a  stand  with  flower  pots.  A 
table  with  a  variety  of  souvenirs  and  small  hric-a-brac. 
In  the  center  of  the  table  a  large  yellow  vase  with 
dark  figures. 

On  the  sofa,  Moorinov  is  sitting  with  a  newspaper 
in  his  hand.  He  is  a  strong,  well-built  man,  with  dark 
hair  and  a  slightly  grayish  beard. 

Moorinova,  his  wife,  is  tidying  up  the  room.  Two 
lackeys  stand  near  the  door  awaiting  her  orders 
in  silence. 

Moorinova 

Pull  those  curtains  down !  Why  did  you  leave  them 
up?  One  can  see  through.  (The  lackeys  fix  the  cur- 
tains.) Why?  What  are  these  three  candles  for?  It 
looks  as  if  someone  is  dead  here.  .  .  .  Someone  might 

come  in  later  and  think  Well?     Bring  another 

candle. 

Lackey 
Yes,  ma'am. 

Moorinova 

Put  the  vase  in  the  comer!  Someone  is  liable  to 
push  it  off  the  table.    It  cost  more  than  a  thousand. 

The  lackeys  remove  the  vase  and  leave  the  room. 


14  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

Well,  there  you  have  it.  A  house  full  of  servants 
and  I  have  to  take  care  of  them  all.  (Looking  at  her 
husband.)  Other  mothers  have  help  from  their  big 
daughters,  but  I  have  mostly  trouble. 

MOORINOV,  lifting  his  head  from  the  paper. 
Well,  I  think  you  have  little  trouble  from  Kate. 

MOORINOVA 

Yes,  yes,  you  are  always  taking  her  part.  I  mustn't 
say  a  word  about  her,  though  I'm  her  mother. 

MOORINOV 

But  what's  the  use  of  wasting  words  even  if  you  are 
her  mother? 

MOORINOVA 

Oh,  well,  what's  the  use  of  talking?  I  am  not  an 
educated  lady,  and  of  course  it  is  not  my  fault  that  my 
father  did  not  spend  a  fortune  for  my  sake  just  as  you 
are  doing  for  Kate.  And  he  loved  me  no  less  than 
you  love  her.  That's  just  why  I  obeyed  him,  but  you 
have  brought  her  up  as  a^udent  and  now  you  can 
blame  yourself  for^r 

MOORINOV 

Blame  myself?  Why?  What  for?  I  don't  see  any 
reason  for  it. 

MOORINOVA 

I  think  there  is. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  15 

MOORINOV^  putting  the  paper  on  one  side. 
Why,  did  you  speak  to  her? 

MoORiNOVA,  timidly,  uncertain. 
Yes,  I  did. 

MOORINOV 

Well,  and  what? 

MOORINOVA 

Nothing,  just  as  usual.  Of  course,  she  got  angry. 
"  I'm  tired  of  you  people,"  she  said, — "  with  your 
marriage  propositions. — Why  " — said  she, — "  I  hardly 
have  time  to  refuse  one  before  I  have  another." 

MOORINOV 

And  yet  she  is  not  satisfied.  (Dignified.)  Well, 
well,  I  should  think  she  ought  to  be  happy  with  such 
a  proposition,  and  he  such  an  exceptionally  fine  fellow. 

MOORINOVA 

It's  just  what  I  told  her. 

MOORINOV 

And  she? 

MOORINOVA 

' '  I  don't  want  it !  I  don't  want  it !  I  don't  care 
about  his  title.  I  don't  want  him  nor  his  titles !" — she 
kept  on — "  Besides,  we  can  never  agree  in  our  ideas." 


16  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOV 

Ha !  Ha !  Ha !  If  this  isn't  the  limit.  What  has  she 
got  to  do  with  his  ideas  ? 

MOORINOVA 

It's  just  what  I  told  her.  How,  says  I  —  did  I  get 
married  to  your  papa,  says  I  —  Why,  until  the  wed- 
ding day  I  didn't  even  see  him.  Not  only  his  ideas, 
says  I  —  but  even  his  features  were  unknown  to  me, 
and  yet,  thank  God,  says  I,  .  .  .  Perhaps,  if  I  had 
seen  him,  I  would  not  have  married  him.  (Smiling.) 
When  he  came  to  the  wedding,  says  I  —  a  friend  of 
his  —  a  young  man,  a  very  handsome  fellow,  came 
with  him  and  my  heart  went  out  to  him.  Which  one 
is  it?  Mother  dear  in  Heaven  and  God  almighty 
above  —  I  prayed  in  silence  —  just  make  that  good 
looking  fellow  to  be  my  husband.  Oh  Lord!  you  are 
able  to  do  everything.  .  .  .  But  it  did  not  turn  out  the 
way  I  wanted,  it  was  the  other  one  that  became  my 
husband,  it  was  your  papa.  Well,  said  I  —  that  good- 
looking  fellow  turned  out  to  be  a  crook,  but  your  papa, 
said  I  —  although  he  wasn't  very  good-looking,  yet 
turned  out  to  be  a  fine  man,  and  we've  lived  together 
very  happily  all  these  years.  And  therefore  —  said 
I  —  parents  always  know  how  to  make  a  girl  happy. 
Don't  you  see,  said  I  —  a  girl  is  foolish  and  she  doesn't 
understand  anything. 

MOORINOV 

I  suppose  she  did  not  agree  with  you,  did  she? 

MOOEINOVA 

No,  indeed  she  did  not.  "  Times  are  not  the  same 
now  as  they  use  to  be,"  she  said  —  "  we  have  our  own 
ideas  nowadays." 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  17 

MOORINOV 

Yes,  that  is  true,  times  are  different  now,  and  they 
are  hard  indeed.  (Thoughtfully.)  Nonsense!  All 
their  ideas,  what  can  all  those  ideas  be  that  a  girl  has  ? 
Nonsense.  (Seating  himself  nearer  to  her,  confiden- 
tially.) Listen,  do  you  think  she  has  someone  on  her 
mind?  Did  you  notice  anything?  You  know  a  girl's 
heart  is  like  an  empty  keg,  you  can  pour  into  it  any- 
thing you  wish,  but  if  it  is  full  —  it  is  all  over.  .  .  . 
Well,  have  you  noticed  anything? 

MOORINOVA,  aroused. 
Why,  couldn't  I  see  it?  I  am  her  mother! 

MOORINOV 

That's  it!    That's  just  why 


MOORINOVA 

Don't  frighten  me!  Say  it  openly,  whom  are  you 
suspecting? 

MOORINOV 

Well,  now  —  what  about  our  neighbor  Norov,  didn't 
you  notice  anjiihing?  He  is  educated  and  so  is  Kate. 
He  comes  here  pretty  frequently  of  late.  It  doesn't 
take  long,  you  know!  .  .  . 

MooRiNOVA,  laughing  aloud. 

You've  guessed  it  all  right.  Ha !  Ha  I  Ha  1  Oh  what 
a  shot! 


18  THE  NEW  CONVERT 


MOORINOV 


Now,  come,  come,  answer  my  questions.  What  are 
you  giggling  about? 

MOORINOVA 

Don't  get  angry.  You  are  a  smart  man,  I  know  you 
are,  but  this  time  you  made  a  bad  shot.  Yes  sir !  a  bad 
shot.  You  didn't  guess  this  time.  Why  in  the  name  of 
Heaven,  should  it  be  Norov?  He  doesn't  even  speak 
to  her.  I  think  he  doesn't  know  how.  One  day  I  sat  in 
the  other  room  and  the  door  was  open.  They  didn't 
know  I  was  listening.  Now  what  do  you  think  he  was 
talking  about  to  her?  About  the  people  and  how  the 
people  are  suffering. 

MooRiNOV,  with  excitement. 
About  the  people?  and  what  else? 

MOORINOVA 

Oh,  I  didn't  listen  any  longer.  I  got  sleepy  from  his 
talk.  I  could  see  he  was  a  foolish  man.  He  actually 
called  the  people  brothers !  Well,  that  wasn't  so  bad ; 
in  the  Bible  it  says  the  same,  and  there  is  nothing  to 
it  any  way.  ( But  when  he  says  that  rich  people  owe  a 
debt  to  the  poor  people,  well,  although  I  am  not  edu- 
cated yet  I  can  see  that  it  is  foolish.^  How  can  a  rich 
man  owe  anything  to  a  poor  man,  if  the  poor  man 
hasn't  got  a  cent  to  his  name? 

MOORINOV 

Oh,  you  stupid  woman!  Why  didn't  j'ou  let  me 
know  about  this  immediately? 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  19 


MOORINOVA 

Well,  I  declare!  What  could  you  expect!  Do  you 
think  I  would  bother  you  with  such  nonsense?  Just 
as  if  you  had  nothing  else  to  bother  about. 

MOORINOV 

Why,  don't  you  know,  that  with  those  vjiery  words 
he  poured  poison  into  her  heart  and  soul?  Why,  this 
is  just  what  they  call  Nihilismj)through  which  so  many 
thousands  of  people  have  perished. 

MOORINOVA 

Oh  my  God!  Why,  it's  those  who  blow  up  and 
shoot. 

MOORINOV 

There  are  some  that  do  it.  They  end  up  by  shoot- 
ing. At  first  they  talk  about  pity  "  for  the  people." 
Then  they  blow  up  and  shoot  so  that  the  people  should 
become  free  from  the  Czar,  they  say  —  "  to  abolish 
the  cruel  government  and  relieve  the  people  from  their 
suffering." 

MOORINOVA 

Oh,  that  rascal!  I'll  take  a  broom  and  just  chase 
him  out  of  my  house.  My  daughter,  my  darling  little 
girl!  Why!  Oh  dear,  oh  dear!  I  must,  I  must  run 
and 

MOORINOV 

Here,  wait!  You'll  spoil  it  all,  don't  mix  in.  You 
send  me  Kate,  I'll  talk  to  her,  perhaps  it  is  not  too 
late  yet,  perhaps  it  is  not  gone  too  far. 


20  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

I'm  going  right  now !    I'm  going 

Goes  out. 

MoORiNOV,  alone. 

Yes,  that's  what  those  ideas  mean.  .  .  .  This  is 
horrible!  Like  a  thief  he  stole  into  her  soul  and 
robbed  me  of  my  pride  and  hope!  Oh,  it  is  utterly 
impossible,  impossible!  I  am  as  timid  as  a  woman. 
Why,  it  is  only  about  half  a  year  since  he  first  en- 
tered my  house.  Is  it  possible  that  what  I  planted  all 
these  years  and  taken  care  of,  can  be  utterly  destroyed 
with  the  first  touch  of  that  stranger?  No!  I  shall 
never  believe  it !  Well,  I  guess  I  will  not  anger  Kate 
with  too  many  questions.  I'll  just  watch  her,  that's 
all.  Just  watch  her.  That's  what's  necessary.  Oh 
dear !    Times  are  pretty  hard  now.    Hard  indeed  1 

Enter  Kate. 

Kate 

Hello  papa!  Did  you  call  me?  Mama  came  and 
told  me  you  wanted  me  and  she  said  it  so  seriously 
that  it  frightened  me. 

MOORINOV 

You  are  a  Cossack-girl  —  You  are  not  so  easily 
scared.  What  have  you  done  today?  (Comes  near 
her.)    But  you  are  all  wet  and  your  hair  is  all  loose. 

Kate 
I  have  been  rowing  and  got  a  little  damp. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  21 

MoORiNOV,  with  caution. 
And  in  such  weather? 

Kate 

Oh  papa,  how  beautiful  it  is  on  the  Neva !  I  turned 
around  the  island  and  almost  unnoticed  I  reached  the 
sea.  How  sweet  it  is,  how  pleasant  to  approach  and 
cut  the  waves !  Here  it  throws  you  up  and  then  down 
again,  but  you  hold  on  and  you  keep  going  forward 
and  forward  —  it  seems  as  if  the  Neva  is  angry  at  you, 
because  it  cannot  do  with  you  as  she  would  like  to. 
She  tries  to  upset  your  boat  and  throws  water  at  you. 
Lots  of  birds  are  whirling  over  your  head  in  groups 
and  at  that  moment  I  feel  as  if  I  were  a  wild  bird  over 
the  sea.  You  know,  papa  dear,  how  I  would  like  to  be 
a  bird !  —  but  not  a  canary  nor  a  nightingale  —  they 
are  kept  in  cages.  I'd  like  to  be  a  free  sea  bird.  The 
one  that  can  fight  the  waves  and  is  not  afraid  of 
the  storm. 

She  throws  off  her  light  cape  ar^d  fixes  her  hair. 

MOORINOV 

Well,  Kate,  you  are  awfully  careless  in  your  ways  1 
It  doesn't  take  long  for  an  accident  to  happen.  I  sup- 
pose you  didn't  think  for  the  moment  what  it  would 
mean  to  me  should  anything  happen  to  you? 

EIate,  throws  her  arms  around  his  neck. 

Papa,  my  darling  papa !  You'll  pardon  me  but  you 
need  not  worry  about  me  —  nothing  can  happen  to 
me.  I  am  like  the  enchanted  sword  that  neither  breaks 
nor  melts,  and  that  is  just  why  I  am  so  happy. 


22  THE   NEW   CONVERT 

MoORiNOV,  very  kindly,  smoothing  her  hair. 

And  how  long  do  you  intend  to  earrj^  on  like  this  — 
thoughtless  and  careless?  Don't  you  ever  think  that 
it  cannot  always  go  on  this  way?  It  may  be  all  right  as 
long  as  mama  and  I  are  alive,  but  when  we  are  gone  — 
what  then? 

K_A.TE 

Oh,  papa,  why  think  of  this?  I  never  have  such 
thoughts. 

MOORINOV 

That's  just  it!  You  think  it  is  always  going  to  be 
this  way.  Years  go  by,  and  oh  how  fast  they  do  go, 
you  hardly  have  time  to  look  around.  Now  is  the  time 
to  prepare  your  future,  and  if  you  don't  do  it,  we  have 
to  do  it  for  you. 

Kate 

Ha,  ha,  ha,  oh,  ha,  ha,  ha!  I'll  bet  you,  you  are 
going  to  talk  about  Volkov  to  me  now.  Did  I  guess? 
Honestly,  papa,  I  am  tired  of  this.  How  many  have  I 
already  refused,  but  still  you  and  mama  insist  just 
the  same  and  you  keep  bringing  me  those  fellows.  It 
looks  as  if  you  are  trying  to  dig  up  a  hidden  treasure 
for  me. 

MOOBINOV 

Those  hidden  treasures  are  only  in  fairy  tales,  my 
child,  but  a  man  like  Volkov  you  cannot  always  get. 
Life  —  my  dear  daughter  —  is  a  very  serious  affair 
and  I  would  like  to  have  an  earnest  talk  with  you. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  23 

Kate 

Don't,  don't!  I  know  all  about  it!  I  know  every- 
thing you  are  going  to  tell  me.  First,  he  is  a 
nephew  of  Count  Mentirov,  isn't  it  so?  (Moorinov 
nods  his  head.)  Secondly, — if  I  marry  him  I  shall 
become  the  wife  of  a  count's  nephew.  Thirdly, — you 
would  be  the  father  of  the  daughter  who  is  the  wife 
of  a  count's  nephew,  and  Count  Mentirov  at  that. — 
Isn't  it  so  ?    I  don't  see  anything  else. 

Moorinov,  smiling. 

It  is  of  no  use  getting  angry  with  you.  You  are  a 
child  yet  and  you  don't  realize  what  rank  means  in 
life.  Yet  this  isn't  all.  He  loves  you  Kate,  he  loves 
you  dearly.  He'll  do  anything  for  your  happiness. 
Now  just  think  and  be  serious,  if  only  for  one  minute. 

Kate 

Very  well  papa,  I'll  be  serious.  You  say  he  loves 
me,  but  it  seems  to  me  he  loves  your  money  more  than 
he  loves  me.  He  says  I  could  do  anything  I  want  to 
with  him.  Well,  I  don't  like  this  kind  of  love.  I  have 
no  faith  in  it.  It  doesn't  seem  to  be  real  love.  At 
times  I  can't  bear  him  at  all.  I  am  afraid  of  him  at 
times,  and  at  times  I  feel  as  if  I'd  like  to  tease  him. 
Sometimes  it  looks  to  me  as  if  he  hates  me.  We  are 
total  strangers,  and  we  have  absolutely  nothing  in 


Moorinov 

Oh,  nonsense!     Life  is  not  a  romance.    You'll  get 
used  to  him  and  learn  to  love  him. 


24  THE   NEW   CONVERT 

EIate 

Oh,  how  dreadful,  how  monotonous  it  must  be  to 
try  and  get  used  to  someone  you  don't  like!  No,  I 
want  life  to  be  a  romance  —  a  real  romance,  and  if  it 
can't  be  so,  I  don't  want  it  at  all.  Papa,  what  is  the 
use  of  a  life  full  of  misery?  Why  can't  life  be  a  ro- 
mance?   Romances  are  written  from  life. 

MOORINOV 

Oh,  I  don't  know.  Those  romances  that  I  have  seen, 
I  would  rather  have  not  seen  at  all.  A  girl  like  you, 
thoughtless  and  careless,  falls  in  love  with  someone, 
but  what  follows  after?  Quarrels,  sorrow,  tears,  and 
despair.  Then  she  weeps  her  whole  life  after  her  lover, 
who  is  carrying  on  a  romance  elsewhere.  Oh  no,  Kate, 
not  this  kind  of  a  future  am  I  preparing  for  you, — 
oh  no.  Your  place  is  the  highest  in  society,  you  must 
shine,  you  must  rule. 

Kate 

Yes,  yes,  that  means  I  must  be  a  crank,  full  of  cap- 
rices, a  spendthrift,  and  a  society  flirt.  Well,  what 
can  I  do  if  all  this  is  so  unbearable,  so  hateful  to  me? 

MOORINOV,  comes  near  to  her  and  talks  very  earnestly 
and  emphatically. 

You  must  help  me  to  build  up  the  glory  of  our 
family.  (Kate  is  listening  very  attentively.)  You  see, 
this  is  the  aim  of  my  life.  I  worked  all  my  life  and  I 
have  laid  the  foundation.  Now,  who  is  going  to  finish 
building  the  rest  of  it  ?  Aren't  you  going  to  help  me  ? 
If  I  should  die  tomorrow,  what  would  become  of  my 
toil?  Do  you  know  that  when  you  were  bom  I  was 
very  sorry? 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  25 

Kate 
Were  you? Thank  you. 

MOORINOV 

Yes  I  was.  I  had  always  prayed  to  God  for  a  boy. 
But  when  you  started  to  grow,  becoming  cleverer  and 
lovelier  every  day,  I  rejoiced.  You,  my  dear  Kate,  are 
worth  more  than  three  boys.  That  which  takes  a  man 
to  work  scores  of  years  for,  you  are  able  to  obtain  at 
once,  honestly  and  at  the  dawn  of  your  life  and  in  my 
presence.  All  you  need  to  do,  is  to  stretch  out  your 
hand.  Just  think  of  this,  Kate ;  if  you  marry  Volkov, 
your  children  will  carry  his  and  my  name.  I  can  fix 
that  with  the  money  I  possess;  and  with  the  title  of  a 
Count  we  can  reach  everything,  and  then  all  that  I 
have  dreamt  of  and  striven  for,  all  that  I  have  lived 
and  hoped  for,  will  be  accomplished,  and  I  shall  die 
happy.     (Silence.)  Well,  you  are  silent? 

Kate 

My  dear  papa,  pardon  me.  I  am  sorry,  but  I  can- 
not accomplish  your  wish,  to  help  you  to  realize 
your  dream.  I'm  not  after  social  standing,  nor  do  I 
want  any  glory*  I  don't  need  them.  I  hate  them. 
Papa,  darling,  I  wanted  to  tell  you  this  for  some  time, 
but  I  had  no  courage.  I  despise  palaces  and  luxury. 
I  want  to  forsake  all  this  and  go.  I  want  to  go  to  those 
who  are  poor,  who  are  suffering,  who  are  in  need  of 
light  and  aid.  I  want  to  work  for  the  unfortunate 
ones,  for  those  who  have  been  wronged,  to  share  with 
them  sorrow  and  joy,  to  live  for  them  and  die  for  them 
if  necessary.  This  is  what  the  happiness  of  my  life 
consists  of. 


26  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOV 

Kate,  my  child,  my  daughter!  Oh  Godl  What 
have  I  labored  all  my  life  for? 

Enter  Lackey  and  after  him  Volkov. 

Lackey 
Alexander  Petrovich  Volkov ! 

MoORiNOV,  thinking  for  a  moment. 
Ask  him  in. 
Enter  Volkov  in  the  uniform  of  a  military  officer. 

MoORiNOV,  approaching  to  meet  him. 

Well,  well,  Mr.  Volkov,  pleased  to  see  you.  We 
expected  you  here  yesterday.  We  were  thinking  you'd 
call  on  the  way  back  from  the  club.  We  waited  till 
about  eleven. 

Kate  seats  herself  on  the  sofa  at  the  further  end  of 
the  room,  in  a  corner,  and  is  hardly  noticed  by  the 
newcomer. 

Volkov,  laughing  harshly. 

Well,  I  guess  I'd  be  a  pretty  sight  if  I  had  come  in 
here  last  night!  Why,  that  noise  is  in  my  head  even 
now.  Don't  you  know,  Metka  is  going  to  be  married 
and  he  made  a  little  party  for  the  boys.  Well,  that  was 
the  last  baehelor-booze  there.  On  such  an  occasion, 
of  course,  I  couldn't  refuse,  don't  you  see?  .  .  .  im- 
possible, you  know.  ...  I  am  frank  with  you  and  I 
own  up  —  I  am  boozing  now.    I  am  taking  it  all  in  and 


THE   NEW   CONVERT  27 

having  a  devil  of  a  time  while  I  am  single  to  remember 
my  younger  days  by.  I'm  raising  the  devil  while 
single,  but  as  soon  as  I'm  married  —  it's  all  ovei-. 
You'll  see  Mr.  Moorinov,  I'll  take  an  oath  on  that, — 
not  a  drop  —  not  a  smell  even. 

Moorinov 
Sh  .  .  .  Sh  .  .  .  don't  you  see?    Kate  is  here. 

VOLKOV,  confused. 

Why  didn't  you  stop  me?  (To  Kate.)  Pardon  me, 
Miss  Katherine.  I  didn't  notice  you  were  here.  We 
all  are  sinful.  The  Nihilists,  I  guess,  are  the  only 
ones  that  don't  drink  nowadays. 

Kate 

Why,  not  at  all,  Mr.  Volkov.  Why  excuse  yourself  ? 
I  am  very  pleased  to  hear  the  happy  news.  Are  you 
going  to  get  married?  I  wish  you  good  luck.  And 
may  I  know  to  whom,  if  it  is  no  secret  ? 

Volkov 
Miss  Katherine,  I  think  you  know  it  well. 

Kate 
No  sir,  I  do  not,  and  I  am  very  anxious  to  know. 

Volkov 
You  are  joking.  Miss  Katherine.  .  .  . 


28  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOV 

Now  what's  the  use  of  all  this?  Mr.  Volkov  is 
making  you  a  proposal,  and,  of  course,  like  a  gentle- 
man, he  first  asked  my  permission.  This  may  not  be 
quite  stylish  but  it  is  very  polite.  I  gave  him  my  sanc- 
tion. Now  it's  up  to  you,  and  remember,  he  deserves 
a  proper  answer. 

Kate 

Can  you  blame  me,  papa,  because  it  looks  to  me  like 
a  joke  and  sounds  so  comical? 

Turns  to  Volkov  with  a  very  earnest  expression  on 
her  face. 

Volkov 

No  hurry.  Miss  Katherine,  no  hurry.  I'm  not  in- 
sisting on  an  immediate  answer.  I'll  wait;  take  your 
time  and  think  it  over.  .  .  . 

MOOEINOV 

That's  right.     She'll  think  it  over.     I'll  let  you 
know  her  decision.    It  is  very  nice  of  you,  I'm  sure. 
.  .  .  Now,  how  is  his  Highness  the  count?     Is  he 
in  good  health? 

Volkov,  with  great  dignity. 

My  uncle?  Yes,  he  is  well.  I  saw  him  the  other 
day.  He  asked  me  to  tell  you  that  he'll  be  here  later 
this  evening. 

MOORINOV 

His  Highness  Himself  will  come  here?  I  suppose 
I  am  indebted  to  you  for  this  great  honor? 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  29 

VOLKOV 

Uncle  thinks  a  great  deal  of  you  and  your  family. 
He  very  much  approves  the  ...  he  is  very  much  in 
favor  of  .  .  •  for  his  part  we  could  .  .  .  however, 
we  will  talk  about  this  later. 


MOORINOV 

All  right  sir !  Just  as  you  say.  But  would  you  like 
to  step  into  my  study?  I  have  a  fine  smoke  for  you 
there.  Cigars  of  a  special  brand.  (He  lets  Volkov 
pass  through  the  open  door  and  hastily  turns  to  Kate.) 
Think  it  over,  think  it  over  well,  do  you  hear?  Don't 
be  too  hasty.  Remember,  your  future  depends  upon 
your  word. 

He  goes  off.  Kate  remains  alone  in  deep  thought.  By 
the  side  door  enters  Norov. 


Kate,  jumps  up  frightened. 
Who  is  this?    Oh,  is  that  you?    Why  did  you  come? 

NOROV 

Why  did  I  come?  What  a  question!  To  see  you, 
of  course !  Isn't  this  enough  ?  Just  think.  The  whole 
week  I  couldn't  get  away  for  a  minute.  I  thought 
you  surely  would  be  angry,  but  instead  you  ask  me 
why  I  came? 

Kate,  thoughtfully. 

No,  it's  all  right.  You  did  well  to  come  here.  I 
didn't  mean  to  say  that. 


30  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

NOROV 

Thank  you,  but  what  is  the  matter  with  you,  Miss 
Katharine?  Are  you  not  feeling  well"?  Or  is  there 
any  troub'e?  Would  you  tell  me,  please?  We  are 
friends,  we  are  comrades,  and  we  promised  to  tell 
everything  to  each  other. 

Kate 

I'll  tell  you  all,  everything,  only  just  let  me  pull  my- 
self together.  .  .  .  Tell  me  why  didn't  you  come  all 
this  time?    I  felt  so  lonesome. 

NOROV 

There  you  have  it.  First  you  ask  me  why  I  came, 
now  why  I  stayed  away.    Now  I  won't  tell  you. 

Kate 
Please  do.    I  don't  feel  like  joking  just  now. 

NOROV 

Pardon  me.  Now  I'll  tell  you  all  about  it.  We  were 
very  busy  getting  this  ready.  (Reaches  in  his  inside 
pocket.)  Just  done.  My  first  piece  of  work.  (Hands 
a  paper  to  Kate.)  Just  look,  how  lovely,  the  govern- 
ment printing  looks  worse  than  this,  yet  this  was  done 
in  the  attic. 

Kate 

Why,  what's  this?  A  proclamation!  (Reads  the 
heading.)  "  FROM  THE  REVOLUTIONARY  COM- 
MITTEE TO  EVERY  HONEST  RUSSIAN 
CITIZEN."  Thank  you.  I  can't  read  it  now,  I 
will  later. 

Hides  the  paper  in  a  music  sheet. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  31 

NOROV 

What's  the  matter  with  you?  Please  tell  me.  What 
happened  to  you?    You  frighten  me. 

Kate 

Oh,  I  have  such  unpleasantness  to  contend  with! 
Listen.  (Speaks  fast.)  Volkov  is  with  papa.  He 
proposed  to  me.  Papa  insists  on  my  marriage  to 
Volkov. 

NOROV 

What?  Volkov  proposed  to  you?  That  rascal 
dared  to  face  you  ?    Do  you  know  what  this  bird  did  ? 

Kate 

No,  I  don't  know.  What  did  he  do?  I  haven't 
heard  anything  about  him. 

NOROV 

The  scoundrel  betrayed  Miss  Artyomevy  and  her 
brother.  He  got  into  their  house  as  a  friend.  There 
were  several  gatherings  and  they  talked  on  different 
subjects.  The  police  smelt  it  and  one  day  they  were 
all  arrested. 

Kate 
Well?    Then  what? 

NoROV 

Of  course  they  were  cross-examined  and  Volkov  be- 
trayed everyone  of  them  in  order  to  save  himself.    He 


32  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

was  mean  and  treacherous  enough  to  say  that  he 
purposely  came  into  the  house  in  order  to  find  out  the 
character  of  their  gatherings  so  that  he  could  turn 
them  over  to  the  police.  He  is  a  fine  bird,  isn't  he? 
No  wonder  his  uncle,  the  count,  likes  him  so  much. 

EIatb 
Oh  no !    It  can't  be ;  papa  would  know  about  it. 

NOROV 

Well,  it's  an  old  story.  He  might  have  managed  to 
hide  the  facts  from  papa.  Besides,  your  father  would 
see  these  things  in  a  different  light. 

Kate 

Oh  heavens!  and  papa  wanted  me  to  marry  such 
a  man. 

NOROV 

Kate,  how  can  you  endure  all  this  ? 

Katb 
What  shall  I  do? 

NOROV 

Why,  quit  it  1  Make  an  end  to  this  conservative  way 
of  living  and  come  to  us.    We  are  waiting  for  you. 

Kate 

This  will  kill  my  father.  How  can  I  be  happy  with 
such  a  sacrifice? 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  33 

NoROV,  comes  nearer  to  her. 

It  will  not  kill  him.  He'll  think  it  over.  He'll  un- 
derstand this.  /  Besides,  I  am  not  calling  you  for  hap- 
piness, but  for  our  cause.  We  will  fight  together  for 
the  freedom  of  our  country,  together;  we  shall  be 
stronger  and  better;  if  I  ever  thought  it  would  be 
different,  I  would  have  fled  from  you ;  you  would  have 
never  heard  a  word  from  me.  Give  me  your  hand  and 
let  us  be  comrades  always  —  in  our  life  of  joy  or  sor- 
row; my  feelings  towards  you  are  not  only  brotherly 
or  comradely  —  I  love  you,  Kate. 

Kate,  throws  herself  into  his  arms  with  a  joyful 
cry,  but  immediately  steps  back.  Speaks  with  a  low- 
ered voice. 

No,  no,  I  cannot.  I  am  not  strong  enough.  (Behind 
the  scenes  Gorlova's  voice  is  heard.)  "  What's  the 
hurry?  What  are  you  running  for ?  You  have  lots  of 
time  to  tell  them."  (Gorlov  more  loudly.)  "  No,  no, 
I'm  not  hurrying." 

Kate 

They're  coming!  (Kate  and  Norov  quickly  draw 
apart.) 

Enter,  Moorinov,  Moorinova,  Gorlov,  Gorlova,  andl 
Volkov  by  different  doors. 

Gorlova 

0  how  lovely  it  is  here !  Just  like  a  palace.  It's  just 
God's  will  to  make  one  rich  and  another  poor,  and  it's 
not  always  those  who  deserve  that  get  it.  Well,  I 
can't  help  it,  but  I  just  like  to  tell  the  truth.    How 


34  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

are  you,  sister?  (Kisses  Moorinova.)  How  are  yon, 
brother-in-law?  (Shakes  hands,  then  turns  to  Kate.) 
And  why  are  you  so  quiet  ?  What  ails  you  ?  Oh  yes ! 
I  know.  I  know  all  about  it.  No  girl  wants  to  get  into 
the  harness,  but  it's  our  women's  hard  luck. 

GORLOV 

Just  think.    What  news ! 

GORLOVA 

Wait!  wait!  what  are  you  hurrjdng  for?  You'll 
have  lots  of  time  to  tell  it  to  them.    Don't  be  so  hasty ! 

GORLOV 

No,  no,  I'm  not  hurrying.    I'm  just.  ... 

GORLOVA 

Very  well  then,  keep  quiet. 
Sitting  down. 

MooRiNOV,  to  Gorlov. 

Here,  Mr.  Gorlov,  sit  right  here.  There  is  a  draught 
through  that  window.  You  might  catch  cold  and  I 
should  have  to  be  responsible  to  your  wife.  She  is 
such  a  very  strict  lady. 

Gorlov 

Thank  you.  Never  mind,  don't  bother;  I'll  sit  right 
here,  near  Kate.  (To  Kate.)    May  I? 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  35 

Kate 

Why,  yes  of  course!  Please  do,  uncle.  I'll  open 
the  screens  and  shut  off  the  draught.  (Opens  screens 
and  is  not  seen  by  Gorlova.  In  a  low  voice.)  Well, 
did  you  get  me  the  music  I  asked  you  for? 


GOELOV 

Yes  indeed.    I  was  almost  in  every  music  store. 
Here  it  is. 

Gives  her  a  roll  of  music. 


MOORINOV 

Well,  what  about  that  news  ?  We  are  waiting  for  it. 
You  always  have  news  even  if  there  isn't  any  in  the 
papers. 

GORLOV 

You're  quite  right !  I  always  do  have  news  even  if 
there  isn't  any  in  the  papers.  Just  think!  Count 
Mentirov  is  appointed  Prime  Minister  of  the  Interior. 
His  Majesty  has  just  made  the  appointment.  He !  he ! 
he!  What  do  you  know  about  this!  Tomorrow  it 
will  be  in  the  papers,  but  I  got  the  news  from  a  friend 
that  the  government.  .  .  .  Well,  are  you  satisfied? 

MOORINOV 

Well,  well!  This  is  certainly  good  news.  Many 
thanks.  (Presses  and  shakes  his  hand.  Then  he  turns 
to  Volkov  and  shakes  his  hand.)    I  congratulate  you. 


36  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

NoROV,  to  himself. 

Hm,  some  imp  is  appointed  to  keep  the  destiny  of 
the  people  in  his  hands  and  they  are  happy. 

MOORINOV^  aside  to  his  wife,  in  a  low  voice. 
We  need  champagne  for  the  great  guest.    We  must 
make  a  big  reception,  and  we  mustn't  forget  musicians 
even  if  it  has  to  be  the  Germans  from  the  street. 

MOORINOVA 

I  know,  I  know !    Don't  teach  me. 
Goes  out. 

MOORINOV 

Not  only  we,  his  nearest  friends,  ought  to  be  happy, 
but  all  Russia  should  rejoice.  It  begins  a  new  era  and 
the  nobles  will  regain  their  former  position. 

GORLOV 

Oh  no,  excuse  me.  I  have  nothing  against  the 
nobles,  but  excuse  me.  ...  I  had  the  pleasure  to  hear 
him  say  .  .  .  here  I  sat  and  there  sat  he.  The  nobles, 
he  said,  have  outlived  their  times.  Now,  said  he,  the 
people's  interest  is  of  most  importance.  My  policies, 
said  he,  are  .  .  . 

MoORiNOV,  interrupting. 

It  can't  be,  no  it  can't  be.  I  read  his  projects  with 
my  own  eyes.  He  says :  "  The  peasant  must  be 
strictly  watched,  and  by  enforcement  of  the  nobles' 
rights,  we  can  prevent  a  Revolution."  I  think  you 
are  mistaken. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  37 

GORLOVA 

Yes,  yes,  you  are  right.    He  always  makes  mistakes. 

GoRLOV,  excited  to  Moorinov. 
Why  is  it  that  I  am  mistaken  and  not  you?    I  am 
telling  you  here  I  sat,  and  there  sat  he.    I  heard  him 
with  my  own  ears.  .  .  . 

Moorinov 
.  .  .  but  I  saw  it  with  my  own  eyes. 

NOROV 

Allow  me,  gentlemen;  why  should  you  quarrel? 
Can't  you  see  that  the  count  played  a  joke  on  you 
both?  .  .  .  and  not  on  you  only.  .  .  . 

Moorinov 
A  joke?  What  do  you  mean  by  this,  sir? 

NOROV 

Yes,  just  a  joke.  Everything  he  does  and  says  is 
only  a  joke  and  even  his  appointment  as  Minister  is 
a  joke. 

Moorinov 

How  dare  you,  sir,  to  talk  that  way  in  my  house  and 
about  my  friend.  .  .  . 

VOLKOV 

In  my  presence  and  about  my  uncle.  .  .  . 


38  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

NOROV 

Excuse  me,  gentlemen.  I  personally  have  nothing 
against  the  count,  and  your  friendship  and  relation- 
ship concerns  me  very  little.  He  is  a  government 
official.  In  his  hand  the  destiny  of  the  Russian  people 
is  placed.  I,  therefore,  have  at  least  the  right  as  a 
Russian  citizen  to  express  my  feeling  of  discontent 
and  disregard,  which  I  have  towards  that  devilish 
appointment  joke. 

Kate  motions  towards  Norov  as  a  sign  to  stop. 
Moorinov,  her  father,  gets  in  between  the  two,  with  an 
angry  expression.  The  guests  move  uneasily.  Norov 
remains  alone. 

Moorinov,  in  a  threatening  voice. 

Young  manl  There  is  a  limit  to  everything.  At 
times,  of  course,  we  must  take  youth  into  consideration, 
but  your  words  .  .  . 

(Enter  Lackey.    Stays  at  the  door  and  announces.) 

Count  Mentirovl 

Moorinov 
He  is  welcome ! 

Norov 

I  guess  the  best  thing  for  me  is  to  get  away  from 
here. 

Moorinov 

Just  as  you  say.  I  won't  dare  to  keep  you.  Good 
bye !  good  bye ! 

ne  goes  with  him  to  the  door. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  39 

Enter  Count  Mentirov.  He  is  a  somewhat  lively 
and  not  very  old  man. 

MoORiNOV,  excited  —  aloud. 

Hey  waiters,  champagne!  Hey  you  musicians,  play 
up  !  (The  music  plays  —  "  Kamorinsky."  Moorinov, 
excited,  puts  his  hands  on  his  head.)  Not  this,  you 
fools!     Stop!  not  that!     (The  music  stops.) 

Mentirov 

Never  mind!  That's  all  right.  I  love  those  folk 
songs.  (Everyone  shakes  hands  with  the  Count. 
Congratulations  and  toasts  are  made  all  round.) 

Mentirov 

Thanks,  thanks.  (He  seats  himself  comfortably  in 
the  arm  chair;  they  all  form  a  circle  around  him.) 
Hew  .  .  .  but  I  am  tired.  I  am  not  very  old,  but 
the  work  seems  to  tell  on  me;  and  I  was  so  busy. 
Could  hardly  get  away. 

Moorinov 

I  scarcely  know  how  to  thank  your  excellency  for 
the  honor. 

Mentirov 

Just  think,  the  news  was  not  in  the  papers  yet,  and 
I  had  thirteen  delegates. 

GORLOV 

Well,  well,  well!  You  really  had  thirteen  dele- 
gates?   Well! 


40  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

Mentirov 

Of  course,  it  wasn't  thirteen  single  delegates.  It  was 
one  collective  deputation.  Who  do  you  think  it  was? 
Why,  it  was  one  representing  the  twelve  tribes  of 
Israelites.  It  is  wonderful  how  quickly  they  got  to 
know  about  it.  The  Jews  are  a  pretty  smart  race  and 
I  love  them  just  for  this.  Why,  there  is  some  Jewish 
blood  in  me,  I  think.  When  I  last  took  a  trip  to  Pales- 
tine with  the  Turk  named  Muchtar  —  Pasha  —  a 
splendid  fellow  —  even  if  he  did  drink  liquor  and  was 
only  a  Turk, — I  discovered  that  their  ancestors  are 
descended  in  a  straight  line  from  King  Herod.  What 
do  you  know  about  this!  Isn't  it  very  interesting? 
Let's  see.  What  was  it  I  started  to  talk  about?  Oh, 
yes.  So  I  received  the  deputation  very  kindly.  I 
can't  help  it,  you  know.  My  rule  is,  the  people's  in- 
terests are  first. 

GORLOV^  in  a  low  voice  to  Moorinov. 
Now  you  see !  you  see ! 

Mentirov 
I  am  very  friendly  inclined  towards  the  Jews,  said 
I.  The  southern  border  is  free  and  open  for  you,  said 
I.  You  can  go  if  you  please.  Southern  Europe  is 
your  place  all  right,  said  I.  There  they  need  your 
talent,  your  knowledge,  said  I,  but  we  don't  need  you. 
What  for?  We  have  enough  of  our  own.  We  need 
nothing  from  others.  Commerce?  Exchange  of  pro- 
ducts? —  Nonsense!  What  do  we  need  commerce 
for?  My  policy  is  very  simple  —  No,  import,  no  ex- 
port! Here  is  my  whole  political  policy,  said  I.  I 
even  told  the  Czar  the  same.  He  agreed  with  me,  and 
—  Hee,  Hee,  Hee,  —  he  liked  it  too  —  Hee,  Hee,  Hee 


THE  NEW   CONVERT  41 

.  .  .  (winking.)  We  know  how  and  whom  to  suit. 
Education?  —  nonsense,  humbug!  The  peasant  must 
only  believe  and  be  obedient,  then  we  are  safe.  Should 
the  peasant  leave  the  village,  the  Revolution  is  at 
our  door. 

MoORiNOV;  in  a  low  voice  to  Gorlov. 

Now  you  see,  you  see,  I  told  you  so. 

Mentirov^  continues. 

Education  —  What  does  the  peasant  need  education 
for?  You  give  him  an  A.  B.  C.  and  he'll  soon  want 
a  newspaper  and  he'll  go  about  publishing  proclama- 
tions. He  needs  a  priest,  a  boss  and  a  policeman. 
This  is  just  the  Trinity  he  needs  and  on  top  of  this 
Trinity  —  the  Czar.  We  will  always  keep  this  Trinity. 
Hee,  Hee,  Hee  .  .  .  always. 

Kate,  sarcastically. 
Poor  peasant !    I  wouldn't  like  to  be  in  his  shoes. 

Mentirov,  suavely  and  condescendingly. 

It  is  hard  to  make  you  ignorant  people  to  under- 
stand things.  Costly  stones  are  not  for  the  streets; 
they  are  to  shine  in  crowns.  Hee,  Hee,  Hee!  .  .  . 
Excuse  the  old  man,  your  future  father-in-law.  This 
chump,  you  see,  (pointing  at  Volkov)  told  me  all  about 
it  and  asked  me  to  be  the  Godfather. 

VOLKOV 

Oh  uncle,  I  think  you  are  a  little  too  hasty.  Miss 
Katherine  has  not  given  her  consent.  I  only  asked 
you  to  support  my  proposition. 


42  THE  NEW  CONVERT 


Mentirov 


Oh,  is  that  it?  All  right.  I'll  help  you.  I  wUl. 
I'm  always  ready  to  help  the  young.  I  love  the  young 
folks.  I  was  young  myself.  We  were  all  j'oung.  Isn't 
it  so?  (Turns  to  Moorinov.)  Well,  my  dear  friend, 
for  my  part  I  am  very  much  pleased  with  such  a  dear 
girl.  She  will  be  an  ornament  in  our  home.  A  smart 
wife  for  a  man  is  a  whole  treasure.  I  have  a  clerk  in 
my  ofi&ce;  he  is  as  stupid  as  a  cork  —  but  he  has  a 
smart  wife  and  everything  is  all  right.  (Turns  to 
Volkov.)  This  is  not  meant  for  jonr  garden.  I  didn't 
mean  you;  you  are  always  able  to  get  bj'  yourself. 
But  it  will  be  very  pleasant  just  the  same  to  drop  in 
some  evenings  when  you're  out,  to  have  a  little  talk 
with  a  smart  woman  and  listen  to  her  music.  (Turns 
to  Kate.)  I  heard  you  can  play  and  sing  very  nicely, 
and  I  love  music  very  much,  especially  our  national 
songs.  I  think  "  Lutchinushka  "  is  superior  to  Bee- 
thoven's music.  (Takes  a  red  music  hook.)  What's 
this  ?  Oh,  National  songs !  That's  iSne !  Would  you 
sing  a  little? 

KJlTB,  tries  to  take  the  hook  from  him. 

I  haven't  sung  these  for  sometime.  Wouldn't  you 
rather  have  me  sing  this  for  you  ? 

She  takes  another  book. 


Mentirov 

No,  no, —  this  is  German.  I  just  want  our  Nation- 
al. Here  is  one  just  right.  ...  A  bridal  song.  (He 
turns  the  leaves  and  drops  a  paper  to  the  floor.) 
What's  this?     (Reads.)     "From  the  Revolutionary 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  43 

Committee  to  every  honest  Russian  Citizen."  Pro- 
clamation! (Drops  his  hand  and  glances  at  everyone 
suspiciously.)  There  are  no  flowers  without  thorns. 
(Turns  to  Kate.)  So  this  is  why  you  are  pitying  the 
peasant  so  much.  Well,  this  is  unexpected,  unexpect- 
ed. I'm  sure.  .  .  .  (Turns  to  Moorinov.)  And  where 
were  your  eyes  ?  You  a  pillar  of  society,  and  your  own 
daughter  a  Nihilist.  She  doesn't  deserve  a  future 
count  for  a  husband,  but  her  place  is  exile  in  Siberia ! 
Do  you  know  this?  You  understand?  (He  puts  hoth 
hands  in  his  pockets  and  looks  at  Moorinov  with  a 
grave  and  strict  expression;  in  the  meantime  he  feels 
of  something  in  his  pocket,  pulls  it  out,  unfolds  it,  and 
reads  aloud.)  (From  the  Revolutionary  Commit- 
tee .  .  .  )  ugh?!  Well!  A  proclamation  in  my 
pocket!  (Compares.)  Just  the  same!  Well  I  de- 
clare! Ha!  Ha!  Ha!  So  I  am  Nihilist  too?  I  shall 
have  to  exile  myself  to  Siberia !  Ha !  Ha !  Ha !  I  tell 
you  those  fellows  are  pretty  slick.  Well,  I  like  those 
people  when  they  are  as  quick  as  that.  (Very  kindly 
to  Moorinov.)  Well,  so  what  have  you  to  say  regard- 
ing the  proposition  my  nei3hew  made  with  my  consent  ? 

MOORIKOV 

Count,  I  am  deeply  affected  by  your  very  kind 
treatment.    I  consider  it  absolutely  fatherly. 

Mentirov 

Oh  well,  this  is  between  ourselves,  you  know!  Of 
course  I  was  young  mj^self,  and  I  understand  all  this. 
(Turns  to  Kate.)  Well,  what  has  Miss  Katherine 
to  say  ? 

Kate  makes  a  motion  to  Volkov  as  a  sign  to  follow 
her.    She  sits  doivn  at  the  rear  of  the  stage  on  a  sofa. 


44  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

Volkov  tries  to  sit  down  near  her  on  the  sofa,  but  she 
points  out  a  chair  to  him. 

Mentirov^  winking  towards  them. 

Youth !  We  know  all  their  secrets  by  heart.  Well, 
let  us  not  disturb  them.  They  will  settle  their  affairs 
better  without  us. 

The  conversation  between  Kate  and  Volkov  is  car- 
ried on  in  half-loud  tones;  both  are  somewhat  excited, 
but  are  trying  to  suppress  it.    Business  for  the  rest. 

Kate 

Look  here,  Mr.  Volkov,  I  wish  you  would  get  rid  of 
that  notion.  I  shall  never  be  your  wife.  I  don't  know 
whether  I  could  even  count  you  among  my  friends. 

Volkov 

Why,  Miss  Katherine!  What  does  this  mean? 
What  have  I  done?    Have  I  offended  you  in  any  way? 

Kate 

Oh,  well.  ...  I  have  such  caprices  at  times.  .  .  . 
Can  you  please  tell  me  what  has  become  of  the  I)rother 
and  sister  Artyomevy?    You  were  friendly  with  them 


Volkov,  absolutely  lost.    Stammering. 

Why  .  .  ,  eh  .  .  .  m  .  .  .  Artyomevy?  I  ...  So 
this  is  it?  Well  I  wasn't  very  friendly  with  them, 
although  I  used  to  go  to  their  house. 

Lowers  his  head. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  45 

Kate 

So  it  is  true  1  .  .  .  (with  disgust)  and  you  expected 
after  this  that  any  respectable  girl  would  consent  to  be 
your  wife? 

VOLKOV 

You  are  merciless,  Miss  Katherine.  What  have  I 
really  done?  There  were  many  witnesses.  They  would 
have  been  caught  anyway.  No  one  wants  to  perish. 
Had  I  not  delivered  them,  someone  else  would. 

ELiTE 

I  see,  so  you  preferred  to  be  the  scoundrel,  rather 
than  anyone  else? 

VOLKOV 

Miss  Katherine,  be  careful.  Do  not  wake  the  devil 
in  me! 

Kate 

The  devil  ?  That's  an  insult  to  the  devil.  You  mean 
the  snake ! 

VOLKOV 

Even  so.  But  to  step  on  the  snake  is  dangerous; 
he  might  sting. 

Stands  up  and  goes  to  Mentirov. 

Mentirov 
Well,  how  is  it,  all  right? 


46  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

VOLKOV 

Not  quite,  why? 

Mentirov 
Not  quite,  why? 

VOLKOV 

I  cannot  forget  the  discovery  of  the  proclamation  in 
her  possession,  and  by  a  thorough  investigation  .  .  , 

Mentirov,  interrupts. 

Oh  nonsense.  You  can't  put  a  sweetheart  under 
cross-examination  and  investigation.  We've  all  been 
mischievous  in  the  years  of  our  youth.  I  myself 
when  a  student  ,  .  . 

VoLKOV^  interrupts. 

After  the  conversation  we  had,  I  cannot  take  the 
case  otherwise  than  serious. 

Mentirov 

What  did  she  say  to  you? 

Volkov  shrugs  his  shoulders  and  looks  at  Mentirov 
with  an  expression  of  vital  significance. 

Mentirov,  hitting  his  forehead  with  his  palm. 

Why  couldn't  I  see  it  before?  Of  course,  for  his 
convictions  he  is  even  willing  to  sacrifice  a  sweetheart 
with  millions.  Good  for  you!^  Some  think  that  there 
are  no  people  who  are  true  to  iheix  convictions.    Here 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  47 

is  one  right  here.  (To  Volkov.)  This  is  pretty  slick. 
I  like  slick  people.  A  fellow  like  you  is  priceless. 
(Comes  up  near  the  rest  of  the  people  and  speaks  to 
Moorinov.)  I  am  very  sorry.  An  explanation  with 
your  daughter  led  him  to  understand,  that  though  it 
would  be  a  very  paying  and  profitable  proposition,  he 
nevertheless,  as  a  tnie  subject  to  his  Czar,  must  with- 
draw and  decline  the  honor  of  becoming  her  husband. 
As  to  myself,  being  his  nearest  relative,  and  a  loyal 
servant  of  my  Czar,  I  cannot  but  highly  praise  his 
splendid  stand  as  far  as  patriotism  and  loyalty  is 
concerned.  I  am  very  sorry,  very  sorry.  Let  us  hope 
that  the  unpleasant  events  of  today  will  not  have  any 
bad  effect,  and  will  not  injure  your  standing  in  certain 
spheres  of  society. 

Leaves  the  room  very  proudly  with  Volkov. 

Moorinov,  to  Kate. 

Do  you  understand  what  you  have  done?  Do  you 
realize?    You  have  killed  me  without  a  weapon! 

MOORINOVA 

Now,  what  do  you  want  from  her?  Everybody  is 
bothering  her  and  even  you,  her  father,  are  after  her. 
That  isn't  her  fault.  She  isn't  to  be  blamed  for  it ;  it's 
him,  that  educated  young  man,  that  spoiled  her!  My 
poor  daughter! 

Moorinov 

Oh  God!  Why  do  you  punish  me  so  hard?  My 
daughter,  my  child,  the  only  pride  of  my  life,  is  now  a 
traitor  to  my -Czar !    You  robbed  me  of  my  Honor,  you 


48  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

disgraced  my  gray  hair,  you  broke  my  age,  and  short- 
ened my  life !  I  disown  you  as  my  daughter.  You  are 
no  more  my  child.    I  have  no  daughter  any  more. 

Moorinova  shrieks  and  faints. 
GORLOV 

Mr.  Moorinov,  why  for  God's  sake! 

GORLOVA,  with  strict  orders  to  her  husband. 
Here  now!    Keep  away!    Don't  butt-in. 

Kate 

Papa,  don't  curse  me.  Don't  forsake  me.  You  will 
not  suffer  through  me.  I'll  fix  it  all,  for  I  know  a 
remedy. 

CURTAIN 


ACT  TWO 

Scene  :  A  poor  but  neatly  furnished  room,  Gorlova 
looks  the  same  as  in  first  act.  Moorinova  looks  very 
much  older  and  feeble.  Between  the  first  and  second 
act  two  years  have  passed. 

Gorlova 

Well,  my  sister,  I  don't  care  whether  you  are  going 
to  get  angry  or  not,  but  I  must  tell  you  the  truth; 
your  husband  is  not  acting  right.  It's  a  sin  before 
God.  It  is  His  will  and  it  must  be  so.  We  must  not 
sin  against  His  will.  Many  parents  lose  their  children, 
still  they  don't  kill  themselves  over  it.  You  have  other 
relatives  besides  Kate. 

Moorinova 

No,  my  sister,  we  have  none,  we  have  none;  since 
we  lost  her,  it  seems  as  if  we  lost  everything.  She  was 
the  only  one,  the  sunshine  of  our  house. 

Gorlova 

Well,  there  are  others  and  they  have  children  and  he 

might  think  of  them ;  but  he  acts  as  if  they  are  stran- 
gers to  him.  I  am  sure  you  are  not.  Why  does  he 
keep  you  indoors  all  the  time? 

Moorinova 

Oh  well,  never  mind  myself,  if  only  he  felt  better. 
He  is  now  the  only  one  I  have. 


50  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

GORLOVA 

Wlij'  don't  you  cheer  him  up,  and  put  new  hope  into 
him?  I  suppose  you  keep  crying  and  sighing  before 
him,  and  of  course,  that  makes  matters  worse.  Well, 
you've  been  a  hen  all  your  lifetime,  and  I  suppose 
you'll  die  a  hen  my  sister.  It's  too  bad,  at  times  I  am 
angry  at  you,  but  as  a  sister  you  see,  I  have  to  think 
differently  of  you  and  forgive  you.  Well,  I  guess 
I'll  go.     Good-bye,  dear. 


Rising  to  go. 


MOORINOVA 


Oh,  don't  go !  Sister !  It's  only  once  in  a  great  while 
we  see  each  other.  It's  so  lonesome  here.  Looks  as  if 
a  storm  is  nearing  now.  Do  you  see  the  lightning? 
Oh  look,  look. 


It  is  lightning. 


GORLOVA 


Well,  what's  to  fear,  we  all  live  under  God.  I  am 
not  afraid. 

MOORINOVA 

I  was  once  brave,  nothing  could  scare  me;  but  now, 
oh  dear,  oh  dear,  everything  scares  me  now.  Some- 
times the  draught  slams  the  door,  and  my  heart  almost 
stops  beating.  The  other  day  Akulina  dropped  the 
tray  with  dishes;  I  got  so  frightened  that  I  fainted. 
At  the  time  I  thought  someone  was  shooting  and  that 
the  walls  were  falling.  The  doctor  says  it's  the  heart. 
Well,  since  I  lost  Kate,  I've  become  a  wreck.    (Light- 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  51 

ning.)  Oh  dear,  it's  lightning  again.  I  think  I'll  close 
the  window.  (Closing.)  Shall  I  light  the  lantern  be- 
fore the  images'? 

GORLOVA 

Why  not?    Light  up.    No  harm. 

MoORiNOVA,  lighting  the  lantern. 
Shall  I  order  the  samovar?    Will  you  have  tea? 

GORLOVA 

Yes  sister.    I  will.    It's  kind  of  easier  to  chat  at  tea. 

MOORINOVA 

Well  then,  I'll  order.  (She  rings  the  bell,  rings 
again.  Then  calls.)  Akulina!  (Voice  behind  the 
scenes:)   Yes  mam. 

GORLOVA 

Why,  is  she  deaf? 

MOORINOVA 

Well,  no,  she  isn't,  but  she  is  rather  slow  and  dreamy. 
Enter  Akulina. 

MOORINOVA 

What's  the  matter  with  you?  Were  you  sleeping? 

Akulina 
No  mam.    Was  washing  dishes. 


52  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

Very  well  then.    Make  the  samovar. 

Akulina 

Yes  mam.  (Turning  to  go,  she  tips  over  a  stand 
with  a  flower-pot  on  it.) 

MOORINOVA 

There!  now  you  see  what  you've  done!  Why,  you 
are  awfully  careless.  The  other  day  you  broke  the 
dishes,  this  time  the  flower-pot. 

Akulina 
Well  'tisn't  my  fault  that  God  created  me  such. 
Goes  out. 

GORLOVA 

Well !  And  she  has  the  nerve  to  answer  yet !  Why 
do  you  keep  her? 

MOORINOVA 

But  who  would  keep  her,  the  poor  thing,  if  I  should 
discharge  her?  She  is  willing  enough.  She  tries  hard. 
She  is  awkward,  but  she  is  good  for  plain  work,  clean- 
ing, scrubbing,  and  washing.  Of  coure,  I  do  not  let 
her  do  the  parlor  cleaning. 

GORLOVA 

That's  it,  you  see,  that's  why  j^ou  look  so  bad.  You 
work  too  hard ;  and  what  does  he  say  ? 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  53 

MOORINOVA 

He  tells  me  to  get  a  chamber  maid.  We  advertised 
for  one ;  but  I  don't  seem  to  be  able  to  get  the  right  one. 
(Enter  Akulina  with  a  boiling  samovar.)  Here  is  the 
samovar.  Pretty  soon  Pavel  Miehaelovitch  will  come 
in.  Don't  mention  anything  to  him.  Don't  remind 
him  of  our  loss.  I  know  you  mean  well,  you're  a  dear 
soul,  but  don't  do  it  today.  Not  this  day.  Oh  no, 
not  today!  .  .  . 

GORLOVA 

Very  well  then,  I  won't  say  anything.  But  why  I 
must  not  say  anything  today  I  cannot  understand. 
What's  the  matter  with  today? 

MOORINOVA 

You  can't  understand,  eh?  (Bitterly.)  An  aunt  is 
not  a  mother,  my  dear,  that  is  why  you  can't  under- 
stand. Today  is  just  two  years  since  we  lost  our  Kate. 
This  morning  we  went  to  church  and  had  a  memorial 
service.  (Placing  a  handkerchief  to  her  eyes.)  Be- 
lieve me,  sister,  it's  two  years  and  we,  (sobs)  we  dare 
not  mention  her  name  aloud.  Understand  ?  We  don't 
mention  her  name,  not  a  word.  Pavel  Miehaelovitch 
feels  that  if  he  should  mention  her  name  I  would  burst 
out  into  tears,  and  I  feel  the  same  .  .  .  don't  you  see. 

GORLOVA 

You  cannot  remedy  ill  fate  with  words.  It's  best 
to  keep  quiet  about  it.  My  man  kept  on  from  morning 
to  night  about  Kate  and  again  about  Kate.  Well,  I 
told  him  the  same.  I  forbade  him  to  talk  about  her 
and  now  he  says  not  a  word  about  Kate ! 


54  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

Oh  sister,  don't  say  that!     If  you  talk  things  over 
it  does  not  lie  so  heavj-  on  your  heartl   Look  at  Pavel  . 
MichaelovitchN   Two  j-ears  ago  he  had  not  a  gray  hair 
in  his  head,  but  now  —  all  gray. 

GORLOVA 

That's  so.    It  almost  killed  him !    That's  so. 

MOORINOVA 

Her  farewell  letter  that  we  found  on  her  table  I  am 
wearing  on  my  person.  I  don't  read  it  myself  nor  do 
I  show  it  to  father.  Only  on  an  occasion  like  today. 
Of  course,  I  cannot  resist.  (Thoughtful  for  a  mo- 
ment, then  places  handkerchief  to  her  eyes.)  If  I  only 
knew  her  grave.  If  I  only  knew  where  to  go  to  shed 
tears  over  it,  it  would  have  been  a  relief.  It  seems  for 
our  sins  we  are  not  worthy  of  this.  Her  hat  was  found 
on  the  beach,  but  it  seems  her  body  went  down  to  the 
bottom  of  the  sea,  and  then  floated  away  with  the  tide. 
Her  dear  little  bones  are  washed  by  the  sea  waves. 
(Sobbing,  listens.)  Is  Pavel  Michaelo\4teh  coming? 
Sister  darling,  let  us  not  talk  about  this  in  his  presence. 

GORLOVA 

No,  that  isn't  him.    It's  someone  else  coming. 

Enter  Gorlov  with  a  bouquet  of  white  roses;  seeing 
his  wife,  he  hides  them  behind  him. 

Gorlov 

How  are  you,  Maria  Ivanova !  (To  his  wife.)  I  did 
not  expect  to  find  you  here. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  55 

GORLOVA 

I  see,  I  see  that  you  didn't  expect  me  here.  "What 
is  it  you've  got  there? 

GORLOV,  stammering. 

That's  nothing.  .  .  .  That's  just,  you  know,  just  ah 
em,  eh, —  for  today's  sake.  (To  Moorinova.)  I 
brought  it  for  you. 

GORLOVA 

Such  a  bouquet!  What  a  spendthrift.  You  never 
brought  me  such  a  bouquet  before. 

Moorinova 

Thanks,  thanks  dearest;  seems  you  loved  Kate 
pretty  well.    Oh  how  dear  it  is  for  a  mother's  heart! 

GORLOV 

How  could  one  help  loving  Kate? 

GoRLOVA,  aside. 

There  they  go  again !  Watch  them  start  it  up  again ; 
the  next  thing  you  know,  there'll  be  tears.  (Aloud.) 
Why  do  we  all  stand?  Let  us  sit  down.  (Pause.) 
What  is  it  you  are  sewing? 

Moorinova 

A  cover  for  the  table  in  the  sitting  room  of  the 
orphanage,  which  Pavel  Michaelovitch  built  in  memory 
of  Kate.  This  orphanage  is  like  a  child  to  me.  Any- 
thing I  do  for  the  orphanage  is  as  if  I  did  it  for  Kate. 


56  THE   NEW   CONVERT 

GORLOVA 

You  people  are  always  circling  around  the  same 
spot.  If  you  had  taken  one  of  the  orphan  girls  into 
your  house  you'd  feel  much  better;  it  would  be 
some  relief. 

MOORINOVA 

Oh,  welll  (Sighing.)  We  old  people  are  like  dry 
trees.  The  branches  are  there  to  stay,  but  new  ones 
never  come. 

GORLOVA 

But  you  hang  on  to  one  branch.  We  have  about 
eleven  of  those  branches  and  I  don't  know  who  is  bet- 
ter off.    Perhaps  you  are? 

MOORINOVA 

0,  sister!  how  can  you?  .  .  .  this  is  God's  will. 
You  must  not  .  .  . 

GORLOV,  interrupting. 

Don't  you  believe  her.  This  is  all  talk.  You  just 
ask  her  to  give  you  one  of  those  eleven  and 
you'll  see 

MOORINOVA 

Children  are  God's  gift.  Had  we  other  children  be- 
sides Kate  the  loss  would  not  have  been  so  great. 
There  would  have  been  others  for  whom  to  live.  Wait 
.  .  .  (Listens.  Footsteps  are  heard  near  the  door.) 
Say,  is  this  dress  made  of  French  calico,  or  is  it 
from  Moscow? 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  57 

GORLOVA 

From  Moscow,  a  present ! 

MOORINOVA 

Oh,  how  pretty! 
Enter  Moorinov. 

MOORINOV 

Good  evening,  Mrs.  Gorlova.  That's  right,  that's 
very  nice  of  you  to  come  and  see  us  once  in  a  while. 
(To  Mr.  Gorlov.)  Oh,  how  are  you  getting  along? 
As  young  as  ever  ?     How  are  the  children  ? 

Gorlov 

Thanks.  They  are  all,  Thank  God,  well.  Why  don't 
you  drop  in  to  see  us  once  in  a  while? 

Moorinov,  disregarding  the  answer. 
How  close  it  is  here!  why  are  all  the  windows  shut? 

Moorinova 
It  was  lightning  and  we  were  afraid. 

Moorinov 

There  is  no  need  of  fearing  lightning.  They  are 
messengers  of  the  coming  storm. 

Gorlov 

Ladies  are  supposed  to  be  timid  even  if  there  is  no 
need  of  it. 


58  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOV,  pacing  up  and  down. 

Well,  perhaps  the  storm  is  coming  this  way  and 
perhaps  it  will  pass  by  ...  it  may  end  in  nothing 

.  .  .  (Thoughtfully,  absorbed.)  Yes,  and  in  our 
lives  it  is  the  same;  and  if  we  see  slight  lightning, — 
iwe  know  a  storm  is  coming,  we  have  time  to  prepare 
for  the  storm  .  .  .  but  those  sudden  unexpected  storms 

...  oh,  they  are  awful.  .  .  .  You  get  suddenly 
^nocked  down  by  a  clap  of  thunder.  .  .  .  God  forbid 
puch  an  attack!  Some  fall  and  never  rise  again, 
lothers  rise  but  they  have  not  a  dark  hair  on  their 
^ead  .  .  .  they  get  gray,  my  dear,  aU  white.  .  .  . 

GORLOVA 

Pavel  Michaeloviteh,  you  are  still  repeating  the  same 
story.  Still  you  are  torturing  yourself.  Be  careful, 
it's  God's  will.  Take  my  advice,  take  a  trip  some- 
where; a  change  will  do  you  good.  You  always  stick 
at  home  and  that  is  liable  to  kill  anyone. 

MOORINOV 

Yes,  it's  true;  it's  lonesome  at  home.  But  if  I  go 
anywhere  it  is  still  more  lonesome  and  then  I  hurry 
home  as  if  someone  is  waiting  for  me  there. 

GORLOVA 

Pull  yourself  together,  Pavel  Michaeloviteh;  don't 
let  it  get  the  best  of  you,  for  you  might  get  yourself 
into  trouble.  It's  dangerous.  We  have  a  neighbor 
where  we  live, — a  widower.  He  lost  his  son,  the  only 
one  he  had,  and  just  like  you  he  locked  himself  in 
the  house, — didn't  go  anywhere  and  wouldn't  see  any- 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  59 

body.  He'd  pace  up  and  down  in  his  room  and  talk 
to  himself  just  like  you.  And  the  Lord  punished  him 
for  it.  After  one  week  they  took  him  to  the  insane 
asylum.  Well,  he  was  alone,  he  had  no  one;  but  you 
have  a  wife  and  relatives.  Just  think  how  they  would 
feel.  I  am  telling  it  to  you  as  a  relative  of  yours.  For 
pity's  sake,  strangers  would  not  tell  you  such  things. 
What  do  they  care?  Don't  be  angry  with  me.  Good- 
bj'e,  sister,  remember  what  I  told  you.  Don't  let  him 
go  on  this  way.  You'll  be  sorry  then,  but  it  will  be  too 
late.    Good-bye. 


Kisses  Moorinova. 


MOORINOV 


Why  don't  you  wait  a  little?  I'll  send  Akulina  to 
get  a  taxi,  the  storm  may  .  .  . 

GORLOV 

Never  mind,  no  need  of  it,  the  storm  is  far  off  yet. 
Exit. 

MOORINOV 

She  has  remarkably  strange  ways  to  encourage 
people.  (Silence.  Goes  up  to  the  window.)  How 
warm  it  is.  Not  a  breeze  .  .  .it  is  lightning  again. 
(Paces  over  the  room,  sighing.)  Oh  dear,  Oh  dear !  .  .  . 

Moorinova 
What  did  you  say  ? 

MoORiNOV,  yawning. 
Nothing,  nothing.    (Silence.)    What  time  is  it? 


60  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

About  nine.  .  .  .  Why  do  we  sit  in  the  dark? 
Attempts  to  light  a  candle. 

MOORINOV 

Wait,  don't  light!  It's  better  that  way.  Oh  dear, 
oh  dear!  .  .  .  Yes,  nine  .  .  .  then  ten  .  .  .  eleven.  .  . 

MOORINOVA 

Aren't  you  feeling  well? 

MOORINOV 

No,  no,  I  am  just  .  .  .  that  is  .  .  .  (Stops.)  Hon- 
estly, I  don't  know  what  is  the  matter  with  me  ...  it 
is  so  close,  the  air  is  so  heavy,  it  chokes  me,  and  here 
(points  to  his  heart)  I  have  such  a  strange  feeling,  a 
burning  sensation,  and  my  heart  beats  so  fast.  .  .  . 

MOORINOVA 

It's  the  air,  and  perhaps  the  tea  you  drank  was  too 
strong.  You  must  not  drink  strong  tea  towards  night. 
Will  you  take  some  of  my  drops? 

MOORINOV 

Oh,  what's  the  use  of  drops !  It's  the  air,  really  it's 
heavy;  always  before  a  storm  the  air  is  that  way. 

The  door  hell  is  heard  in  the  entry,  hut  the  couple 
pay  no  attention.  Enter  Masha;  she  remains  at  the 
door.  She  wears  very  plain  clothes  and  a  handker- 
chief over  her  head;  she  holds  a  small  bundle  under 
her  arms. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  61 

MOORIKOVA,  without  turning  around. 

Akulina,  is  that  you?  Light  the  candles,  will  you? 
(To  herself.)  I  really  don't  know  how  to  pass 
the  time. 

Masha 
It's  me,  mam! 

MOORINOVA 

Gracious,  but  you  scared  me !    You?    Who  are  you? 

Masha 

I  read  in  the  papers  that  you  need  a  girl,  mam,  a 
servant  in  the  house,  and  I  came  to  get  the  position. 

MOORINOVA 

But  who  comes  into  a  strange  house  without 
permission  ? 

Masha 

I  rang  the  bell,  mam.  I  had  no  reply.  The  door  was 
open  so  I  walked  in.  Thought  I'd  meet  someone. 
I  beg  to  be  excused,  mam. 

MOORINOVA 

Well,  never  mind.  I  forgive  you  this  time.  So  you 
wish  to  be  a  servant  girl? 

Masha 
Yes  mam! 


62  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

I  know  you  want  to;  but  can  you  be  one?  Can  you 
iron  starched  clothes? 

Masha 

I  may  not  be  able  to  do  it  just  so,  but  I'll  get  used 
to  it,  mam. 

MOORINOVA 

Oh  no!  That  won't  do!  You  begin  to  learn  and 
you'll  spoil  all  my  laundry. 

Masha 
I'U  try  not  to. 

MOORINOVA 

What?    Talk  louder.    I  can't  hear  you. 

Masha 

I'll  try  to  please  you.  I've  never  been  a  servant 
before. 

Moorinova 

I  see.    Well,  can  you  sew? 

Masha 

Not  quite,  but  I'll  try.  I  wouldn't  want  much,  mam. 
Anything  you'll  give  me,  will  be  thankfully  accepted. 
I  can  read,  mam.  I  went  to  school,  I'll  read  things 
to  you.  .  .  . 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  63 

MoORiNOV,  comes  near  the  table. 
Have  you  a  passport  with  you  ? 

Masha 

Yes  sir,  with  me,  sir!  (Reaches  in  her  bosom. 
Moorinov  lights  the  candle.) 

MOORINOVA 

There  you  are.  You  don't  know  how  to  iron,  you 
don't  know  how  to  sew,  but  you  can  read.  Who  needs 
your  reading  ? 

Masha,  hands  over  passport. 

Here  it  is  sir,  in  good  order. 

Moorinov,  reads. 

Girl  .  .  .Maria  Andreyeva  Meschanka  .  .  .Twenty- 
five  .  .  .  Hm!  face  round  .  .  .  chin  round  .  .  .  eyes 
round  .  .  .  nose  round  .  .  .  Well,  everything  round, 
perfect  all  around,  a  perfect  round  orphan.  Here, 
take  this. 

Hands  passport  to  her  and  paces  up  and  down 
the  room. 

MOORINOVA 

Well,  I  don't  think  I'll  have  you.  You  can't  do 
anything.  I'm  afraid  you'll  spoil  everything.  I  am 
sorry,  but  I  can't  have  you. 

Masha,  places  passport  into  bosom. 
Please  mam,  take  me,  have  pity. 


64  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

Well  now,  see  for  yourself.  You  don't  know  any- 
thing. You  don't  know  how  to  do  things.  I'll  get 
tired  of  you. 

MoORiNOV,  at  the  window. 

Look  here,  young  girl,  you  had  better  put  an  ad  in 
the  paper  that  you  can  read  and  you  might  get  a  po- 
sition that  way. 

Masha 
I  can't  wait,  sir. 

MOORINOVA 

There  are  others  that  get  work  that  way.  You  might 
get  it,  too. 

Masha,  persistently. 
But  why  don't  you  try  me?  .  .  . 

MoORiNOV,  nervous. 
Oh  Lord!  .  .  . 

MOORINOVA 

What  did  you  say? 

MOORINOV 

Oh  nothing.  It's  just  the  lightning;  it  was  strong. 
(To  Masha.)  Well,  my  dear,  you  had  better  go.  The 
Lord  be  with  you.    I'm  sure  He'll  help  you. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  65 

Masha,  with  anger. 
I  don't  know  about  that ! 

MOORINOVA 

And  you  have  a  temper  too,  eh  ? 

MOORINOV 

What?  You'll  stand  here  and  give  us  back  talk? 
Go  on!    Go  on!    Leave  this  house! 

Masha,  decidedly. 

No !  I  won't !  I  have  nowhere  to  go.  (Throws  down 
bundle  and  pulls  off  handkerchief  from  head.)  Don't 
you  recognize  me?  (In  a  low  tone.)  It  is  I  .  .  .  your 
daughter,  Kate.  .  .  . 

Moorinova,  jumps  up. 
What!?    What  is  that? 

MoORiNOV,  trembling  —  steps  back. 

You  .  .  .  why,  who  is  it?  (Comes  nearer  and  looks 
into  her  face.)  Kate!  (Gets  down  on  his  knees.) 
My  God! 

Moorinova^  frightened. 

Oh  God!  Is  it  true?  Am  I  dreaming?  (Crosses 
herself.)  Is  it  possible  ?    In  the  name  of  all  the  saints ! 

K1a.te,  helping  father  to  rise. 
Forgive  me,  papa,  forgive  me  I 


66  THE  NEW  CONVERT 


MOORINOVA,  breathless. 

It's    her!    My    Kate!    My    dear    darling    child! 
(Pressing  her  to  her  heart.)    My  only  child! 

Sobbing. 


MOORINOV 

She  is  living !  living,  thank  God ! 

Kate,  seating  mother  on  sofa. 

Now  be  calm,  mother;  don't  excite  yourself;  sit 
down.  I  am  sorry  for  all  this  excitement.  You'll  for- 
give me  mama,  won't  you? 

MOORINOVA,  forcibly  seating  Kate  on  her  lap. 

I  won't  let  you  go,  no,  I  won't  let  you!  (Kissing 
her  at  every  phrase.)  My  joy!  You  naughty  girl! 
Darling !  Where  is  father  ?  Here,  come  here !  What 
are  you  doing  there  at  the  window?  Look  who's 
here!  .  .  . 


MoORiNOV,  comes  near  Kate  and  places  his  hand  on 
her  head. 

Kate,  you  almost  killed  us  .  .  .  But  you  came  back 
and  we  will  thank  God.  Understand  me,  Kate,  I  have 
outlived  it  all.  You  might  think  I  have  cursed  you, 
and  denied  you  as  my  daughter?  Oh,  no!  That  very 
same  evening  I  went  to  your  room  to  forgive  you, 
but  you  were  not  there.  Now  Kate,  dear,  forgive  me 
as  I  forgive  vou ! 


THE  NEW   CONVERT  67 

Kate 
To  forgive  you ! 

Throws  herself  on  his  neck. 

MOORINOV 

She  is  back  again,  back  in  my  arms  at  my  heart. 
Oh,  God,  I  thank  thee!  I  thank  thee,  Oh  Lord,  for 
everji^hing,  for  thy  punishment  and  likewise  for  thy 
mercifulness,  for  the  sunshine  which  thou  hast  sent 
me  now,  after  the  cloudy  life  of  late.  I  am  thankful 
for  ever3d;hing.  Oh  Lord,  and  rejoice  in  thy  gift  which 
thou  hast  sent  me  for  all  my  sufferings. 

Kate 

Papa,  don't  excite  yourself,  listen  to  me,  I  have 
something  to  tell  you,  both  of  you. 

MoORiNOVA,  looking  at  Kate's  face. 

Her  eyes  .  ,  .  brows  .  .  .  the  dear  little  nose  .  .  . 
she  is  grown  a  little  thinner  ...  eh?  Oh  yes,  my 
darling,  but  where  have  you  been  all  this  time? 

MOORINOV 

Why  don't  you  wait,  mother?  Let  her  tell  it 
herself.  .  .  . 

MooRiNOVA,  undecided. 

But  you  are  not  from  .  .  .  from  .  .  .  the  cemetery 
.  .  .  and  .  .  .  not  from  the  water  .  .  .  are  you.  .  .  . 


68  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

Kate,  laughing. 

No,  mother  dear,  no,  not  from  the  cemetery 
nor  water. 

MOORINOV 

Your  smile,  my  dear,  is  still  the  same,  happy  and 
pleasing.  Am  I  dreaming,  or  do  I  really  hear  your 
dear  voice  again? 

Kate 

No,  papa  dear,  you  are  not  dreaming;  it  is  all  true, 
I  will  tell  you  all.  But  here  things  don't  seem  the 
same.  (Looks  around.)  Everything  is  changed.  Did 
you  get  poor?    Are  you  ruined? 

MOORINOV 

No,  dear,  I  am  richer  now  than  I  was,  but  we  have 
changed   our   way   of   living   since   we   lost   you.    I 
changed  considerably  soon  after  your  disappearance, 
I  suddenly  felt  a  dislike  toward  all  luxury,  hatred 
against  the  race  for  money  and  wealth,  I  wanted  to 
leave  it  all,  to  give  it  all  away,  everything  that  I  fought        I 
for  all  my  life,  I  wanted  to  be  poor,  to  live  with  the  '    ^ 
poor,  to  share  with  them,  as  you  used  to  tell  me,  do  you 
remember?     I  have  always  remembered  and  repeated 
your  words.     There  is  no  greater  happiness  than  to 
wipe  a  tear  from  the  eyes  of  the  stranger  and  to  share . 
your  happiness  with  him. 

MOORINOVA 

Oh,  come  now,  why  do  you  tell  her  such  things.  You 
only  make  her  feel  bad. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  69 

Kate 

No,  no,  papa  tell  me,  tell  me  more,  it  makes  me 
happy  to  hear  you  speak  that  way. 

MOORINOV 

Why? 

Kate 

We  seem  to  be  much  nearer  to  each  other.  Yqji 
never  had  that  pity  before,  the  pity  towards  others, 
towards  the  unfortunate  ones. 

MOORINOV 

And  are  you  still  the  same? 

KA.TE 

Yes,  more  so  than  before,  although  people  say  we 
are  beasts. 

Smiling. 

MOORIKOV 

"We"?  Who  are  the  "we"?  Of  whom  are  you 
talking?  However,  (caressing  her)  now  we  will  live 
together,  we  will  never  part;  you  shall  help  me  and  we 
will  be  everywhere  together. 

Kate 

It  would  be  delightful,  papa.     I  would  be  so  glad 
.  .  .  but  I  cannot  stay  with  you  and  I  cannot  help 
you.    I  only  came  here  to  stay  for  a  little  while,  until 
the  storm  is  over.  .  .  . 

Moorinov  and  Moorinova  look  at  each  other  in  alarm. 


70  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MoORiNOVA,  aside. 
Oh  God,  has  she  lost  her  mind? 

MOORINOV 

Why  can't  you  stay?  Why  only  for  a  while? 
What  storm? 

Kate 

I  cannot,  I  must  not  appear  as  your  daughter  any- 
where. Your  daughter  is  dead  .  .  .  She  is  drowned 
.  .  .  She  does  not  exist  ...  So  let  it  be  that  way 
...  I  am  a  "round  orphan"  and  my  name  is  Maria 
Andreyevna,  ...  I  can  only  stay  here  in  your  house 
as  a  servant.  .  .  .  Masha  will  be  my  name.  You  un- 
derstand? ...  Of  course,  for  you  only  I  am  Kate, 
your  daughter,  but  for  strangers  I  must  be  Masha.  .  .  . 
If  you  can't  .  .  .  then  .  .  .  then  .  .  .  then  I'll  have 
to  leave  you.  .  .  . 

Moorinov  lowers  his  head  in  thought. 

MOORINOVA 

She  is  insane !  Insane !  .  .  . 

Moorinov 

Oh  yes !  I  see  .  .  .  you  cannot !  I  understand  .  .  . 
Very  well,  you  cannot!  Otherwise  .  .  .  certainly! 
(In  a  lower  voice.)  I  am  perfectly  satisfied.  .  .  . 
Stay  right  here  with  us.  .  .  .  You  are  a  stranger  from 
Kroushtat,  a  servant  girl,  Maria  Andreyevna.  (To 
his  wife.)  This  girl  stays  here  .  .  .  her  name  is 
Maria  .  .  .  Masha!  ...  I  want  you  to  remember  it. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  71 

MooRiNOVA,  aside, 

And  he  is  crazy,  too!  ...  Oh  Lord!  Oh  Lord! 
(To  Kate.)    Come  to  me,  Kate!  .  .  . 

MoORiNOV,  stamping  his  foot. 

Not  Kate,  but  Masha!  Now  let  me  have  your  pass- 
port, Masha! 

Kate  hands  over  her  passport.  Moorinov  examines 
the  document  near  the  candle. 

MOORINOVA 

So  you  were  all  the  time  in  Kroushtat?  And  what 
were  you  doing  there? 

Kate 

I  was  never  in  Kroushtat.  This  passport  is  not 
mine.    Don't  worry,  mama,  please ! 

Kisses  her. 

MOORINOVA 

Why  is  it  not  yours?    Whose  is  it,  then? 

Moorinov 
Leave  her  alone.  .  .  . 

Kate 

Mama,  can't  you  understand  ?  I  went  to  those  whom 
you  call  Nihilists  —  since  I  left  your  house.  I  went 
to  them  and  I  stayed  with  them  for  the  past  two  years. 


72  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

And  you  did  not  let  us  know  even  once?  You  have 
not  called  on  us  even  once  during  all  this  time.  Oh, 
how  could  you! 

MOORINOV 

Leave  her  alone ! 

Kate 

I  know,  but  I  could  not,  don't  you  see,  I  could  not. 
Do  you  think  I  did  not  long  for  you?  Do  you  think 
I  did  not  want  to  look  at  you  if  only  once  during  all 
this  time?  Or  at  least  to  send  you  a  note,  a  message? 
I  felt  so  sorry  for  you,  but  I  could  not.  They  watched 
every  step,  every  paove  of  ours.  It  would  have  ruined 
you  and  myself.  It  was  better  to  cut  off  every  com- 
munication between  us  rather  than  to  take  chances. 

MOORINOVA 

So  you  loved  us  just  the  same?  And  you  were 
thinking  of  us? 

Kate 

Mama!  .  .  . 

MOORINOV 

Let  me  see,  and  where  do  you  come  from  now? 

Kate 

Now?  Well,  I'll  tell  you,  we  lived  on  the  sands  near 
the  harbor.  We  had  a  secret  printing  plant.  I  was 
one  of  the  composers.  .  .  .  Shall  I  tell  you  all? 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  73 

MOORINOV 

Yes,  tell  me  all,  everything! 

Kate 

Very  well.  The  police  discovered  us.  Today  they 
were  to  make  a  raid  on  us.  We  left  everything  and 
escaped.  I  stayed  near  by  with  a  family;  but  it  be- 
come dangerous,  so  I  come  to  you.  You  live  in  a  new 
house  and  no  one  would  know  me  here.  I  can  stay  here 
with  you  as  your  servant  until  the  danger  is  over,  un- 
til the  storm  goes  by.  (To  father.)  Papa,  can  you 
hide  me?  Tell  me  if  you  cannot  —  I  will  leave 
you  now. 

MOORINOV 

No  Kate.  Stay  right  here,  don't  go.  I'll  take  care 
of  you.  I  will  protect  you.  (Turns  away.)  But  I  gave 
my  oath  to  the  Czar,  I  kissed  the  cross,  promised  to  be 
faithful.  .  .  .  But  do  we  think  when  we  give  our  oath  ? 
(Gets  down  on  his  knees  before  the  image.)  Oh  God, 
forgive  me ! 

CURTAIN 


ACT   THREE 

Scene  :  A  room  as  in  first  act.  Morning.  Moorinov 
ts  sitting  on  the  sofa  with  a  newspaper  in  his  hands, 
reading  and  smoking  a  pipe.  Moorinova  is  putting  on 
her  hat  before  a  mirror.  Akulina  is  standing  near  her. 
Kate  (Masha)  is  standing  near  the  door,  dressed  in  a 
calico  dress  and  a  white  apron.  It  is  Sunday.  Church 
hells  are  heard  from  the  distance.  Between  the  2nd 
and  3rd  act,  two  weeks  have  elapsed. 

Moorinova 
How  is  the  weather  to-day  ? 

Akulina 
It  is  beautiful,  mam,  it  is  very  pleasant  and  breezy. 

Moorinova 
Well,  I  guess  I'll  put  my  cape  on. 

Moorinov,  strict  and  loud. 

Masha!  Why,  what  are  you  standing  there  like  a 
pole  for? 

Masha    (Kate) 

What  shall  I  do,  sir? 

Moorinov 

What  shall  I  do  ?  Didn't  you  hear  the  Madame  say 
she  wishes  to  put  on  her  cape?    Hurry  up  now! 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  75 

Kate,  getting  the  cape  and  putting  it  on  the  ma- 
dame's  shoulders. 

Will  you  take  the  umbrella  with  you,  mam? 

MOORINOVA 

No,  I  guess  not.     Well,  so  now  I'll  go.    Good-bye ! 

MOORINOV 

Good-bye.  I'll  finish  my  smoke  and  then  I'll  go  over 
to  the  architect.    I  promised  to  call  on  him  today. 

MOORINOVA 

I'll  go  now.  (Kate  is  stepping  out  of  the  way.  To 
Kate.)  Why  don't  you  go  ahead  and  open  the  door? 
Don't  you  know  your  duty? 

MOORINOV 

That's  right,  tell  her,  teach  her  right.  That's 
the  way. 

MoORiNOV,  alone,  sighing. 

It  is  comical,  yet  it  is  painful.  .  .  .  (Enter  Kate 
with  a  broom.)    Well,  what  is  this  for? 

Kate 
Akulina  said  I  am  to  sweep  the  rooms. 

MOORINOV 

No,  it  is  not  necessary.  Well,  dear,  what  do  you 
think  of  me  as  your  boss?     Did  I  assert  myself  all 


76  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

right?  "  Say,  what  are  you  standing  there  like  a  pole 
for?"  Ha,  Ha,  Hal' Wasn't  that  fine!  (Looks 
around  and  kisses  Kate  on  the  forehead  hastily.)  Let 
me  have  the  broom,  Kate,  no  one  is  here  now. 

Kate 
Don't  papa,  Akulina  might  come  in. 

MOORINOV 

How  would  she  dare  to?  What  for?  and  if  she  does 
and  sees  me  sweep.  Well,  then  of  course  I  am  show- 
ing you  how,  teaching  you,  you  see.  .  .  .  Let  go.  .  .  . 

Sweeping. 

Kate 
Oh,  papa,  please,  let  me  do  that. 

MoORiNOV,  bending  down  and  reaching  with  the 
broom  under  the  sofa. 

Get  out  of  my  way!  See  how  much  dirt  there  is? 
Masha,  get  out  of  the  way!  .  .  . 

Kate 
Papa,  the  architect  is  waiting  for  you. 
Kate  playfully  snatches  the  broom  from  his  hands. 

MOORINOV 

Oh  yes,  yes.  ...  I  had  better  go  over  to  him.  I'll 
come  back  soon.  Oh  quit  that  Kate,  quit  that 
dirty  work! 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  77 

Kate 
Just  a  moment,  papa. 

MOORINOV 

This  instrument  doesn't  become  you.  It  is  not  be- 
coming you  at  all,  Kate !  (Lowers  his  voice.)  but  that 
other  instrument  I  took  out  from  the  bundle.  It  is  on 
the  table  in  the  other  room. 

Kate 

Oh,  that  revolver?  I  couldn't  think  where  I  put 
it.  I  was  wondering  where  it  was  ...  it  is  a  little 
one  and  I  thought  I  lost  it. 

MOOEINOV 

Yes,  it  is  little  but  it  can  do  great  harm.  ...  I 
guess  it  can  make  lots  of  noise. 

Kate 
But  be  careful,  papa,  it  is  loaded.  .  .  . 

MOORINOV 

Never  mind,  my  dear,  you  can't  scare  me.  (Shaking 
his  finger  at  her.)  Oh  you  heroes!  Guess  I'll  go. 
Lock  the  door  after  me.  (Kisses  her  forehead.) 
Good-bye  Kate. 

Kate 
What  did  you  say?  Kate? 


78  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOV 

Maslia!  My  coat,  my  hat  and  my  cane,  quick! 
(Kate  brings  all  in.  Moorinov  puts  his  coat  on,  looks 
around  carefully,  kisses  Kate  and  goes  to  the  door.) 
Good-bye ! 


Papa! 


What  is  it? 


Kate,  calls  him. 
Moorinov,  returns. 


Kate 
I  want  to  ask  you  something. 

Moorinov 
WeU? 

Kate,  imploringly. 
But  you  promise  you  will  do  it  for  me? 

Moorinov 

Oh,  you  bad  girl!    Very  well,  I  promise.    It  isn't 
something  terrible? 

Kate 
No  papa,  not  all!    Where  does  your  architect  live? 

Moorinov 
On  Litton  Street.    WelU 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  79 

Kate 

On  your  way  back,  go  down  Elirochny  Street  and 
stop  at  the  first  corner,  will  you? 

MOORINOV 

Yes,  I'll  do  that.    And  what  then? 

Kate 

On  that  comer  you'll  see  a  five-story  brick  house, 
of  a  light  yellow  color; — you'll  see  it.  Then  you  look 
at  the  top  floor  at  the  second  window  from  the  comer 
and  see  whether  a  white  lambrella  is  in  the  window, 
just  like  this  one. 

Pointing  at  one  in  the  hall. 

MOORINOV 

All  right.  Second  window  from  the  corner  on  fifth 
floor.    White  parasol  in  window.    What  of  it? 

Kate 

That's  all!  Oh  yes,  something  else.  If  you'll  see 
the  parasol,  get  a  cab  and  come  back  as  fast  as  you 
can,  but  if  not  .  .  .  (Lowers  her  head.)  No,  if  you  do 
not  see  it,  come  back  still  faster.    I  want  to  know. 

MOORINOV 

What  does  all  this  mean?  I  cannot  understand 
a  thing. 

Kate 
Why,  papa,  can't  you  guess? 


80  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOV 

Oh  yes !    I  see,  a  signal. 

Kate 
That's  right,  a  signal  from  my  dear  Dimitry. 

MOORINOV 
Dimitry?    Who  is  he? 

Kate 

Why,  don't  you  know,  Norov !  Did  you  forget  him  ? 
If  the  parasol's  in  the  window  then  it  means  he  is 
alive  and  I  shall  see  him.  So  go  now,  papa  darling, 
and  come  back  quickly  with  good  news. 

MOORINOV,  with  enthusiasm. 

Do  you  know  what  I'll  do  ?  I'll  take  a  cab  right  now 
and  go  direct  to  that  place  and  I  will  come  back  right 
away.  Never  mind  the  architect.  He  can  wait.  I  can 
go  there  tomorrow.    I'll  go  over  to  that  place  right  now. 

ICate,  throws  her  hands  around  his  necJc. 
My  dear,  darling  papa,  thank  you ! 

MOORINOV 

Good-bye  I 

Goes  quickly  out. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  81 

Kate,  alone. 

Oh  what  a  dear  papa  I  have!  (Sweeps  the  floor 
with  broom,  absorbed  in  thought.)  Hew,  what  dust! 
I'll  open  the  window.  (Opens  the  window.)  What  a 
beautiful  morning !  Oh,  how  I  would  like  to  be  out  on 
the  field  or  in  the  woods  or  on  the  lake!  and  here  I 
have  to  sit  between  the  four  walls  as  in  a  prison,  I 
can't  even  put  my  head  out  anywhere.  Shall  I  go  out 
on  the  veranda?  It  is  so  quiet  here  in  this  neighbor- 
hood. Who  could  see  me  here?  There  are  no  spies 
here,  and  even  if  one  should  happen  to  be  around  he 
wouldn't  know  me  in  these  clothes.  (About  to  go.) 
No,  I'd  better  put  my  uniform  on  and  get  the  little 
instrument  for  emergency's  sake. 

She  puts  her  bonnet  on,  throws  a  towel  over  her 
shoulder  and  taking  a  bucket  of  water  goes  out  on  the 
veranda;  she  can  be  seen  by  the  audience  as  she  is 
cleaning  the  windows  from  the  veranda  side,  singing 
Luchinushka.  Her  voice  is  at  first  low,  then  louder 
and  louder,  then  again  lower.  She  tries  to  keep  herself 
calm,  though  she  is  very  nervous  as  she  ends  the  verse. 

K1a.te,  runs  in  alarmed. 

It  is  he,  it's  he !  Oh,  what  if  he  recognized  me  ?  He 
is  apt  to  do  almost  anything;  he  is  serving  the  police 
now,  the  secret  service.  Why  did  I  sing?  Now  what 
shall  I  do?  Shall  I  run  from  here,  now,  as  long  as  it 
is  not  too  late?  What  will  they  think,  my  father  and 
mother  if  they  don't  find  me  here?  No  it  won't  do! 
Papa  wouldn't  know  what  to  say  in  my  absence  if  the 
police  should  call.  I  had  better  wait  until  he  comes 
back.  (Sits  down.  Door  bell  rings.)  That's  papa! 
How  quickly  he  came  back.     (Goes  out  to  open  the 


82  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

door;  from  the  hall  her  voice  is  heard!)  "  No,  he  isn't 
home."  (Volkov's  voice.)  "  How  soon  will  he  be 
back?"  (Kate's  voice.)  "I  don't  know!"  (Heavy 
footsteps  are  heard,  and  Volkov's  voice.)  "  Then  I'll 
leave  him  a  note." 

Enter  Volkov. 

VOLKOV,  looks  around. 
What?  and  the  madame  isn't  home  either? 

Kate,  from  the  hall. 
No  sir! 

Volkov 

Look  here,  my  dear.  What  is  your  name  ?  Did  you 
sing  there  on  the  veranda?  (Silence.)  She  is  gone? 
(Paces  over  the  room.)  The  devil  take  it !  I'll  bet  any- 
thing it's  her  all  right.  Height,  figure  and  the  voice! 
Why,  I  got  thunder-struck,  surprised,  when  I  heard 
that  song  in  her  voice.  But  she  is  dead,  she  was 
drowned.  .  .  .  Oh  well  .  .  .  that's  nothing.  Those 
things  happen.  .  .  .  Hm,  well,  taking  in  consideration 
the  proclamation  we  found  in  her  home  once,  and  her 
acquaintance  with  Norov  ,  .  .  this  seems  to  be  sus- 
picious, verj'  suspicious  indeed.  It's  too  bad  it  was  so 
dark  in  the  hall.  Coming  in  from  the  street,  I  couldn't 
see  a  thing.  Well,  that  can  be  fixed.  I'll  call  her  near 
the  window.  If  she  doesn't  come,  then  it's  her.  (Rings 
hell,  rings  again,  louder,  goes  up  to  the  open  door 
leading  into  the  hall.)  Hey,  where  are  you?  (Claps 
his  hands.)  Say,  girl!  (Kate's  voice,  "  Well?  ")  Can 
you  bring  me  a  glass  of  water  ?  (Kate's  voice,  "  Yes 
sir. ")    Now  we'U  see.  .  .  . 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  83 

Goes  up  to  the  window,  sits  down  on  a  chair  and 
puts  on  eye  glasses.  Pause;  Kate  comes  in  with  a  glass 
of  water.  She  is  dressed  in  the  same  clothes  as  in  the 
second  act.  She  puts  the  glass  on  the  little  table  near 
the  door. 

VOLKOV 

Bring  it  here,  right  here! 

Kate 
Excuse  me,  sir.    I  am  busy ;  I  have  no  time. 

VoLKOV,  jumps  up. 

Here,  wait,  just  a  moment.  She  is  gone !  What  do 
you  think  about  that  ? !  (Stops,  perplexed.)  Is  it  she 
or  not?  her  eyes  and  figure  seem  the  same.  .  .  .  The 
voice  and  hair  seem  different.  It's  her!  If  it  were 
elsewhere,  there  would  be  reason  for  doubt,  but  here  in 
this  house  (rubs  his  hands).  Well,  Miss  Katherine, 
I've  got  you  this  time!  Of  course,  I  am  not  going  to 
do  you  any  harm.  Revenge?  Nonsense!  A  sensible 
fellow  makes  a  little  money  out  of  such  an  opportunity. 
Now  I'll  have  to  go  easy.  Yes  sir,  just  easy.  It's  no 
use  making  a  noise  about  it.  It's  possible  I'm  mis- 
taken. At  any  rate  I'll  just  watch  the  old  man,  his 
expressions  and  actions.  This  is  a  slick  job.  What 
shall  the  excuse  for  this  visit  be  ?  Oh  yes !  The  orph- 
anage. I'll  start  in  with  this  and  then  we'll  see.  I'll 
have  to  pick  out  a  good  convenient  place  where  I  can 
keep  my  eye  on  the  "  birdie,"  so  that  she  doesn't  slip 
out  right  here  at  the  window.  (Sits  down  near  win- 
dow.) It's  a  good  thing  I  have  the  police  whistle  with 
me,  and  in  case  of  necessity  I  can  signal  for  polica. 


84  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

The  old  man  isn't  home  yet  I  I  wish  he'd  hurry  up. 
(Looks  through  the  window.)  There,  there  he 
comes  now ! 

Enter  Moorinov  breathing  fast  and  smiling  enthus- 
iastically; he  becomes  alarmed  upon  seeing  Volkov. 

Moorinov 

You  here?  (Changes  his  tone.)  What  can  I  do  for 
you,  sir? 

Volkov,  watching  Moorinov  closely. 

Pardon  me,  sir,  for  troubling  you.  I  understand 
that  after  what's  happened  here  between  us  in  the  past, 
it  seems  quite  strange  to  find  me  here.  I  came  here 
for  business  and  I  will  not  keep  you  long.  I  am  here, 
so  to  speak,  on  a  business  of  a  philanthropic  character. 
It  is  in  connection  with  your  orphanage.  Will  you 
allow  me  to  explain? 

Moorinov^  with  a  sigh  of  relief,  and  very  friendly. 

Why,  certainly.  With  pleasure.  Won't  you  sit 
down? 

Volkov,  sits  down. 

You  see,  a  friend  of  mine,  a  charitable  lady  of  high 
standing  wishes  to  make  a  donation  towards  the  funds 
of  your  orphanage.  Of  course,  she  has  not  quite  de- 
cided yet,  but  in  the  meantime  she  asked  me  to  make 
inquiries  as  to  how  contributions  are  made.  As  a  wo- 
man, you  know,  she  is  always  afraid  that  she  might 
be  swindled  out  of  her  money.  For  the  best  informa- 
tion I  decided  to  see  you  sir,  and  I  hope  you  will  have 
no  objection  and  will  excuse  me  if  .  .  . 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  85 

MOORINOV 

Oh  no!  not  at  all!  I  appreciate  it  very  much,  I'm 
sure,  but  you've  troubled  yourself  unnecessarily.  Here 
is  our  circular  (hands  it  to  him)  with  all  details.  To- 
morrow morning,  if  you  will  call  at  the  office,  you  will 
see  the  superintendent  and  he  will  give  you  all  other 
information. 

Bises  as  a  sign  to  end  conversation. 

VoLKOV,  pays  no  attention  and  makes  himself  more 
comfortable  in  his  chair. 

Allow  me  to  ask  you,  sir,  if  it  is  no  secret,  how  long 
it  is  since  your  orphanage  was  established? 

MoORiNOV,  displeased. 

Why  should  it  be  a  secret?  Here  it  is  in  this  cir- 
cular. The  orphanage  was  opened  about  six  months 
after  my  daughter's  death. 

VOLKOV 

Oh  yes,  yes.  I  remember  now !  It  was  in  the  daily 
news.  That  is  so,  about  six  months  after  your  daugh- 
ter's death,  or  her  sudden  disappearance.  .  .  .  Yes, 
yes  .  .  .  and  isn't  it  strange,  that  though  there  may 
be  no  special  reason  for  it,  yet  a  person,  one  has  known 
in  the  past,  will  suddenly  rush  through  one's  memory 
with  the  most  detailed  vividness.  Is  it  not  strange, 
Mr.  Moorinov  ?    Does  it  ever  happen  to  you  ? 

MoORiNOV,  unwillingly. 

Oh  no,  thank  God!  I  am  not  suffering  from  such 
illusions.    (Looking  at  Volkov  for  a  few  seconds.)    1 


86  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

can't  see  why  we  should  choose  such  a  gloomy  subject 
for  our  conversation.  Would  you  like  to  have  a  cig- 
arette?   One  of  these? 

VoLKOV,  lights  a  cigarette,  stretches  out  in  the  arm 
chair  and  puffs  away. 

It's  quite  a  little  while,  sir,  since  we  so  unexpectedly, 
and  I  might  say,  so  tragically  parted. 

MooRiNOV,  uneasy. 

You  seem  to  have  had  good  luck  all  this  time.  You 
are  looking  well. 

VoLKOV,  waves  his  hand. 

Oh,  no,  sir !  You  are  joking !  Why,  since  my  uncle 
lost  his  position  my  beautiful  days  have  ended.  I  am 
ship-wrecked  and  I  am  sitting,  so  to  say,  on  a  rock.  .  .  . 
At  times  I  sit  down  to  play  cards  with  about  one 
rouble  in  my  pocket.  What  can  I  do  ?  Things  seem  to 
go  aginst  me.  My  uncle  and  I  were  always  too  honest, 
too  straightforward  and  we  have  lots  of  enemies.  But 
I  am  on  the  lookout  for  them  .  .  .  the  time  will  come ! 
I'll  get  my  revenge  yet.  (Smokes.)  Have  you  heard 
about  my  change  in  position  ? 

MOORINOV 

No  sir,  I  have  not. 

VOLKOV 

Haven't  you  ?  Strange !  I  suppose  you  do  not  read 
the  papers  lately.    You  take  no  interest  in  the  world. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  87 

Of  course,  I  understand,  after  such  a  great  misfor- 
tune. .  .  .  (Puffs  away  at  his  cigarette.)  Yes  sir,  I 
changed  my  position.  During  the  time  of  peace,  it  did 
not  seem  to  me  quite  correct  to  be  in  the  army  and 
draw  a  salary  without  being  really  useful  to  my  coun- 
try. So  I  joined  the  police  department.  At  present 
we  have  no  external  enemies,  but  we  have  a  very  deadly 
enemy  in  our  midst,  and  as  an  honorable  citizen  and 
a  patriot  of  my  country  I  have  decided  to  join  the 
ranks  of  those  who  protect  the  government. 

MooRiNOV,  alarmed. 
So  you  are  serving  the  police? 

VOLKOV 

Yes  sir  I  have  the  honor!  You  do  not  seem  to  ap- 
prove of  it,  quite? 

MOORINOV 

Oh  no,  not  at  all !    It  is  your  business. 

VoLKOV,  smoking. 

My  work  is  getting  to  be  interesting  and  even  roman- 
tic. You  meet  with  a  number  of  sudden  coincidences. 
I'll  tell  you,  for  instance,  of  one, — a  very  strange  and 
amusing  one.  About  two  weeks  ago  the  police  dis- 
covered a  revolutionary  printing  plant  in  a  private 
house.  .  .  .  Does  your  head  ache? 

MOORINOV 

No  sir!  not  at  all. 


88  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

VOLKOV 

It  seem'd  to  me  you  got  pale. 

MOORINOV 

Yes,  I  am  tired  today  and  these  stories  don't  seem 
to  interest  me. 

VOLKOV 

No,  you  just  listen.  It  is  remarkable.  Well  sir, 
that  house  had  for  its  occupants  two  young  men  and 
a  young  lady.  .  .  .  Mr.  Moorinov,  why  don't  you  take 
a  little  water?    Here, 

Fills  the  glass. 

Moorinov 

Never  mind,  don't  bother  yourself  about  me. 

VOLKOV 

Very  well,  sir,  just  as  you  say.  Now,  what  was  I 
going  to  say  ?  Oh  yes !  So  the  police  were  a  little  too 
late  and  all  three  of  them  disappeared. 

Moorinov,  yawning. 

Really,  I  don't  know  what  you  are  talking  about  and 
I  am  not  a  bit  interested.  They  do  not  concern  me  at 
all,  those  police  affairs. 

VOLKOV 

Is  that  so?  (Rising.)  Well  sir,  we  are  here  alone, 
so  I  might  as  well  tell  it  to  you  plainly.  That 
young  lady  is  right  here  in  your  house. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  89 

MOORINOV 

Whaf?    What  young  lady?    What  are  you  talking 
about?     You  are  dreaming! 

Sits  down  and  swallows  a  little  water. 


VOLKOV 

Look  here,  Mr.  Moorinov,  your  perturbation  is  giv- 
ing you  away.  You  know  whom  I  mean.  Your  daugh- 
ter, Kate,  Katherine  Pavlovna! 


Moorinov^  laughs  awkwardly. 
Ha!  Ha!  Ha!    Well,  well!  and  what  else? 

VOLKOV,  also  laughing. 

Ha  Ha!  She  is  here  ...  as  a  servant  .  .  .  wears 
a  nice  little  apron  .  .  .  she  opened  the  door  for 
me!  .  .  . 

Moorinov 

How  dare  you  make  a  laughing  stock  of  me !  You 
are  plajang  upon  a  very  tender  spot  in  my  heart.  My 
daughter?    She  is  dead!    She  is  gone  forever! 

VOLKOV 

She  was  dead, — is  that  what  you  mean  to  say?  But 
she  came  back;  she  rose  from  the  dead.  Those  things 
happen  even  in  our  prosaic  life,  although  the  law  does 
not  approve  of  this. 


90  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MooRiNOV,  jumps  up  and  paces  up  and  down. 

And  still  you  insist  on  this?  You  are  deranged! 
You  must  see  a  doctor  quick.  (Steps  in  front  of  him 
with  tears  in  his  voice.)  Why  don't  you  leave  me 
alone  ? !    What  have  I  done  to  you  ? 

VoLKOv,  very  kindly. 

Oh  no !  not  at  all !  Mr.  Moorinov.  You  haven't  done 
anjihing  to  me  and  I  really  do  pity  you.  But  you 
will  admit  that  I  cannot  let  such  a  splendid  oppor- 
tunity go  bj^  .  .  .  That  means  my  whole  future.  I 
have  suffered  enough  and  now  I  must  not  let  a  good 
chance  slip  by.  Your  daughter  Katherine  is  married 
already,  but  I  am  not  and  I  intend  to  get  married 
soon,  so  of  course,  I  need  everj'lhing  that  will  help  me 
to  rise  in  my  position.  To  be  sure,  it  is  not  very  pleas- 
ant for  a  father  to  hear  this,  but  —  well  she  will  be 
arrested  one  of  these  days,  anyhow.  If  I  don't  do  it, 
someone  else  will.  Pause;  (Volkov  rises  and  speaks 
in  an  official  tone.)  In  my  capacity  as  an  ofl&cer  of 
the  law,  I  must  arrest  a  political  criminal  who  is  hid- 
den in  your  house!  Your  daughter  Katherine  Pav- 
lovna  Moorinov. 

Starts  in  the  direction  to  the  kitchen. 
Moorinov 

Daughter?  What  daughter?  Who  told  you  it  is  my 
daughter?  You  have  no  right  to  arrest  an  innocent 
girl  on  groundless  suspicion. 

VOLKOV 

If  my  suspicions  were  groundless  until  now,  your 
manner  has  absolutely  confirmed  them ! 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  91 

MoORiNOV,  stands  in  Volkov's  way. 
You  can  only  pass  over  my  dead  body. 

VOLKOV 

And  still  you  claim  that  is  not  your  daughter? 

MOORINOV,  crushed. 

Yes  it  is,  it  is  my  daughter !  My  daughter !  but  you 
will  have  to  kill  me  first  before  you  can  get  near  her! 
(Catches  hold  of  Volkov  and  shouts.)  Run  Kate,  run! 
save  yourself  at  once ! 

Volkov,  frees  himself  and  steps  near  the  window. 

Pavel  Michaelovitch,  stop  that!  don't  be  silly.  I 
need  only  to  blow  this  whistle  once  (showing  him  the 
police  whistle)  and  I  wiU  have  police  enough  to  arrest 
a  dozen  of  you. 

MooRiNOV,  falls  back  in  the  armchair  and  holds  his 
head  in  his  hands. 

You  coward !  Judas !  Go  on,  finish  your  mean,  dirty 
work.  You  came  here  in  my  house  as  a  friend.  I  re- 
ceived you  as  one,  but  you  have  betrayed  me.  You  will 
be  rewarded  for  this  cowardice  and  rascality.  But 
remember,  the  curses  of  a  father  and  the  hatred  of 
every  honest  man  will  follow  you  to  your  grave.  Go 
on,  now!    What  are  you  standing  here  for? 

Volkov 

Calm  yourself,  Mr.  Moorinov.  I  have  thought  the 
matter  over.    I  do  not  wish  to  ruin  your  life.    I  shall 


92  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

leave  your  daughter  with  you.  (Moorinov's  face 
changes.  He  slowly  holds  his  hand  out  to  Volkov,  who 
stops  him  with  a  sign  of  his  hand.)  But  for  such  an 
offer  by  which  I  risk  my  whole  future  —  for  such  an 
offer  I  hope  you  will  recompense  me  with  a  part  of 
your  capital.  You  don't  expect  any  presents  from  me, 
do  you? 

MOORINOV 

Oh  no!  certainly  not!  I  fully  agree  with  you 
there.  ,  .  .  How  much  do  you  think  your  loss  is  worth 
to  you? 

Volkov,  watching  Moorinov  closely. 
About  fifty  thousand. 

Moorinov,  surprised. 

What !  Why,  I  haven't  got  such  a  sum  and  I  cannot 
get  it,  either. 

Volkov 

Now,  Mr.  Moorinov,  I  wouldn't  haggle  if  I  were 
you.  Don't  you  think  your  daughter  is  worth  fifty 
thousand  ? 

Moorinov 

I  give  you  my  word  of  honor  that  I  haven't  got 
even  half  of  it.  I  am  practically  a  poor  man.  You 
know  I  gave  nearly  all  my  fortune  away.  Otherwise 
I  would  willingly.  .  .  . 

Kate  enters  quietly,  without  a  bonnet  and  apron. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  93 

Kate 

Papa,  please  quit  that  useless  comedy.  I  came  at 
your  call  and  I  also  heard  the  beautiful  offer  of  this 
gentleman.  (To  Volkov.)  You  need  not  ruin  your- 
self at  all.  You  may  obtain  your  promotion.  Now 
you  can  arrest  me.    I  am  ready. 

Volkov 

Miss  Katharine,  what  do  you  take  me  for?  I  may 
have  spoken  harshly  when  you  were  not  here.  But 
your  presence  has  put  an  entirely  different  complexion 
on  this  matter.  When  you  stand  before  me  so  beauti- 
ful and  so  charming,  there  can  be  no  thought  even  of 
such  a  thing  as  an  arrest,  even  if  I  had  to  lose  the 
greatest  of  careers.  What  is  the  most  hopeful  future 
in  comparison  with  possessing  you  as  a  friend?  I  am 
happy  to  be  able  to  serve  you  in  any  possible  way  and 
to  press  this  dear  hand  of  yours.  (Holds  his  hand 
out  to  her.  Kate  steps  hack.)  You  refuse  me?  Just 
as  brave  as  ever!  It  becomes  you.  Miss  Katherine,  I 
do  declare! 

MOORINOV 

Kate,  leave  us  here.  I  have  to  talk  with  Mr.  Volkov 
alone.    I'll  call  you  if  I'll  need  you.  .  .  . 

Kate 

Papa,  you'll  never  free  yourself  from  this  snake. 
He  has  already  wound  himself  around  you  ready  to 
strangle  you.  Can't  you  see  it?  He  will  suck  every 
coin,  everything  out  of  you  and  then  he  will  betray  you. 


94  THE  NEW  CONVERT 


VOLKOV 


You  are  not  aware  of  your  own  wonderful  power, 
Miss  Katherine.  If  I  should  take  you  away  from  yovir 
father,  I  should  lose  the  only  chance  of  ever  seeing  you. 
I  should  lose,  perhaps,  the  possible  chance  of  ever 
changing  your  bad  opinion  of  me,  for  I  want  you  to 
become  my  friend.  Do  you  think  that  during  these 
two  long  years  I  could  have  possibly  forgotten  you? 

MoORiNOV,  nervously. 

Kate,  leave  us,  I  tell  you,  right  now !  I  am  no  child. 
Please  don't  interfere  in  my  affairs. 

Kate 
Very  well,  papa,  I'll  go  if  it  is  your  wish,  but  .  .  . 

MoORiNOV,  angrily. 
Go,  and  not  a  word ! 

VoLKOV,  to  Kate. 

I  hope  you  wiU  allow  me,  before  leaving  us,  to  offer 
you  my  best  respect? 

Kate  leaves  the  room  without  turning  hack. 


MOORINOV 

You  must  excuse  her  conduct.  The  youngsters  some- 
times do  not  understand  certain  things.  Well,  now, 
how  about  our  deal? 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  95 

VOLKOV,  after  watching  Kate  leave  the  room. 

I  cannot  take  anything  less  than  fifty  thousand.  I 
could  have  asked  for  more  than  that.  I  could  have 
asked  for  four  times  as  much  and  you  would  have  to 
give  it  to  me  even  if  you  had  to  dig  the  ground  for  it. 
And  besides,  Miss  Katherine  could  have  been  a  little 
more  lenient  towards  me. 


MoORiNOV^  breathing  heavily. 

But  I  haven't  got  it !  I  haven't  got  so  much  money ! 
I  am  poor,  I  distributed  the  greatest  part  of  my  for- 
tune.   I  simply  haven't  got  it,  I  tell  you ! 


VOLKOV 

Well,  I  am  ready  to  help  you  out  and  to  make  it 
more  convenient  for  you.  You  pay  me  in  cash,  say 
thirty, — well,  we'll  say  twenty-five  thousand  and  for 
the  balance  I'll  take  a  note,  say  for  three  months.  I'll 
be  able  to  cash  the  note.  You  have  a  big  house  and 
orchard.  Your  note  is  good,  and  you  will  be  able  to 
release  the  note  after  the  three  months  or  during  that 
time.    Well,  what  do  you  say?    Is  it  all  right? 


MOORINOV 

All  right.  We'll  let  it  go  at  that !  You  are  ruining 
me.  You  are  taking  away  my  last  shirt,  but  we'll  let 
it  go  at  that.  I'm  satisfied.  (Counts  out  the  cash  and 
then  writes  the  note.)  Here  it  is ;  your  money  and  the 
note.  But  you  have  to  give  me  your  oath,  that  you 
will  never  show  your  nasty  face  here  again  and  that 
you  will  never  get  near  my  daughter  again. 


96  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

VOLKOV 

Don't,  Mr.  Moorinov,  don't  excite  yourself.  It  af- 
fects 3'our  health.  Why  should  I  discontinue  such 
splendid  acquaintance  under  such  favorable  circum- 
stances? And  why  should  you  excite  yourself  about 
it?  Such  a  girl  as  Katherine  Pavlovna  is  able  to  take 
care  of  herself.  I'll  only  go  in  to  see  her  just  for 
a  minute. 

Starts  in  the  direction  where  Kate  left. 

Moorinov 
Back,  you  rascal! 

VOLKOV 

But  I  promised.  .  .  . 

Moorinov 
Back! 

VoLKOV^  shrugs  his  shoulders. 

Why  back,  when  it's  possible  to  go  forward?  (Goes 
out.  Moorinov  quickly  takes  out  a  revolver  from  a 
drawer  and  runs  after  Volkov  behind  the  scenes  in 
the  other  room.  Moorinov's  voice  is  heard.)  Here 
you  have  it,  take  this. 

A  revolver  shot  is  heard. 

Moorinov,  returning. 
I  killed  him! 
Enter  Kate  hastily.  '^ 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  97 

Kate 

Father,  father!  .  .  .  (Puts  her  arms  around  his 
neck;  looks  at  him.)  Oh,  how  pale  you  are!  (Takes 
him  by  the  arm.)  Come  father,  come  sit  down 
right  here. 

MoOEiNOv,  pointing  at  the  temple. 

Here,  it  struck  him  right  here.  .  .  .  Kate  dear,  I 
couldn't  help  it!  .  .  .  Dead!  .  .  .  (Hides  his  face  in 
his  hands.)    Oh  God !    I  killed  a  man !  .  .  . 

Kate 

No,  he  was  worse  than  a  wild  beast.  Calm  yourself, 
papa,  don't  excite  yourself  I 

Stands  on  her  knees  and  kisses  his  right  hand. 

MoORlNOV,  hiding  his  hand. 
Don't,  Kate,  don't  kiss  this  hand. 

Kate 

No  papa,  this  is  a  noble  hand ;  you  need  not  hide  it 
at  all. 

MOORINOV 

I  couldn't  help  it.  That  was  the  only  thing  I  could 
do.  (Straightens  himself  and  stands  up.)  Time  is 
precious  and  I  must  not  waste  it.  I  will  go  over  to 
the  judge  and  make  a  full  confession,  I'll  explain 
everything  to  them  and  let  them  arrest  me.  Try  and 
calm  mother.  Tell  her,  she  will  understand  it.  You 
cannot  remain  here  after  I  make  my  confession, — so 


98  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

you  had  better  get  away  for  a  while.  (Looks  around.) 
You  had  better  go  to  Gorlov,  your  uncle ;  he  loves  you 
and  he  will  do  everything  for  you.  May  the  Lord 
guide  you,  my  dear  child!  (Embraces  her.)  Good- 
bye! (Makes  a  start  towards  the  door  and  suddenly 
stops.)  Oh  yes,  I  almost  forgot  to  report  to  you  about 
my  errand.    I  was  there  where  you  asked  me  to  go. 

Kate 
Well? 

MOORINOV 

He  came  out  of  the  house  while  I  was  on  the  street, 
looking  at  the  parasol  in  the  window.  He  recognized 
me.  He  came  up  to  me  and  we  had  a  talk.  He  gave 
me  a  letter  for  you.  I  have  it  with  me.  Here  it  is. 
(Takes  it  out  from  his  inside  pocket.)  Here  is  the 
letter.  .  .  .  He  told  me  not  to  forget  and  tell  you  that 
you  must  be  sure  and  bum  it  as  soon  as  you  read  it. 
^o  don't  forget  it.  Now  that  is  all.  Well,  good-bye, 
good-bye ! 

Goes  out. 

Kate  is  sitting  alone  on  the  sofa  somewhat  stunned, 
with  the  open  letter  in  her  hands  on  her  lap.  She 
looks  straight  ahead  without  moving.  Suddenly  her 
eyes  fall  on  the  letter.  As  if  touched  by  an  electric 
shock  she  gives  one  shriek,  then  with  intense  interest 
she  reads  the  letter  half  aloud. 

Kate 

My  darling,  my  dear !  I  am  writing  you  in  a  hurry. 
I  was  delighted  to  have  seen  your  father.    He  is  a 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  99 

grand  old  man.  Now  I  am  positive  that  you  are  per- 
fectly safe  under  his  guidance.  I  think  he  would  go 
on  the  cross  for  you  if  necessary!  .  .  .  "He  is  gone 
on  the  cross,  he  is  gone  already !"  (She  hides  her  face 
in  her  hands  and  falls  on  a  pillow,  sobs  a  little  while, 
then  she  raises  her  head,  wipes  her  tears  off  her  eyes 
and  braces  up.  Continues  reading.)  The  hardest 
work  is  yet  to  be  done.     I  shall  have  to  get  ready. 

Again  she  runs  over  the  letter  with  her  eyes,  then  she 
takes  it  over  to  the  burning  candle,  burns  it  and  de- 
stroys the  ashes.  Behind  the  scenes  the  voice  of  her 
mother,  Mrs.  Moorinova,  is  heard  in  a  sudden  shriek. 
Moorinova  running  in. 

Moorinova 

What  is  it?  What  is  it?  What  does  it  mean? 
There  is  a  dead  body  in  a  pool  of  blood  there.  It  lies 
in  the  other  room.  .  .  .  What  does  it  mean?  Kate? 
Pavel!  where  is  he?    Oh  my  God!     (Shrieks.)     Oh! 

Kate 

Mama,  darling,  please,  for  God's  sake,  calm  your- 
self.   Papa  went  away.    He'll  come  back. 

Moorinova 

But  whose  body  is  that?  How  did  he  get  there? 
Oh  how  dreadful!  How  dreadful!  My  hair  just 
stands  on  end.    Where  did  papa  go  ? 

Kate 
Papa  went  to  the  judge. 


100  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

Ob,  I  see.    To  report  the  suicide? 

Kate,  almost  whispering. 
This  was  not  a  suicide,  mama. 

MOORINOVA,  shivering. 

So  it  was  ...  It  was  ...  a  murder?  That  .  .  . 
was  you  that  did  it?  Who?  Not  you?  Did  he  kill 
that  man  ? !    Tell  me,  tell  me  all ! 

Kate 

Yes  mama,  he  did  it,  papa!  That  was  a  spy  and 
worse  than  that,  he  recognized  me;  he  came  into  this 
house  while  papa  was  out  .  .  .  then  papa  came 
back  .  .  . 

MOORINOVA,  interrupting  with  a  heavy  sigh,  then 
somewhat  calmed. 

So  your  father  killed  him  to  save  his  daughter, 
(Pause,  Kate  is  crying  with  her  face  in  her  hands. 
Mother  stretches  out  her  hands  towards  Kate.)  Come, 
come  to  me,  my  poor  child.  (She  presses  Kate's  head 
to  her  heart  and  continues  as  if  speaking  to  herself.) 

If  he  killed  him  then  I  suppose  he  could  not  do 
otherwise.  Then  it  was  God's  will.  And  now  he  went 
to  the  judge  to  confess  before  the  law,  to  give  his  soul, 
his  life  for  you.  Don't  cry,  my  child,  you  are  not  to 
blame,  it  is  not  your  fault.  This  is  God's  will  that  we 
parents  should  give  our  lives  for  our  children.  You've 
done  well  to  come  back.    Such  seems  to  have  been  the 


THE  NEW   CONVERT  101 

will  of  God I'll  bear  it  all.    Don't  cry,  my  child ; 

you  see,  I  am  feeling  better,  (She  stands  up,  then 
suddenly  places  her  hand  to  her  heart.)  Kate!  Oh! 
(She  falls.)    Tell  papa  .  .  . 

Kate,  catching  her,  then  listens  to  her. 

She  is  not  breathing.  .  .  .  She  is  dead!     Mama! 
Mama!    Oh  why  did  I  return.  .  .  . 

CURTAIN 


ACT  FOUR 

Scene:  Night.  Lower  floor  in  Gorlov's  house.  On 
the  side  in  background  an  orchard,  still  further  in  the 
back  the  Neva  is  visible. 

Kate,  alone,  reading  a  newspaper. 

Again  those  temble  raids !  There  were  pistol  shots 
on  Obukov  Street,  and  Dimitry  used  to  go  there  quite 
frequently.  I  know  he  did.  I  wonder  what  happened 
to  him?  If  I  could  only  get  a  note  with  one  line  from 
him.  Is  it  possible  that  he  is  so  busy?  Perhaps  he 
does  not  realize  how  dreadful  it  is  for  me  to  sit  here 
alone  and  worry  about  his  safety.  I  suppose  people 
must  get  hardened  when  they  give  themselves  up  to  one 
idea.  There  is  no  time  nor  room  for  self  indulgence. 
(Lowers  her  head  and  drops  paper.)  That  is  just  how 
I  was  before  I  returned  here.  (Rises  and  walks  up 
and  down.)  And  what  if  he  is  arrested?  Perhaps 
dead?  Killed?!  and  here  I  am  scolding  him  for  not 
writing  to  me.  No,  No,  I  can't  live  like  this!  No! 
I  shall,  I'll  go  over  to  them.  ...  It  is  dark  now.  No- 
body would  know  me.  (Takes  hat  and  throws  it  back.) 
But  how  about  father?  Today  was  the  last  day  of  his 
trial  and  we  will  know  his  fate.  No,  I  cannot,  I 
must  wait. 

She  sits  down,  then  rises,  paces  over  the  room,  stops 
before  the  bureau,  pulls  out  a  drawer  and  is  nervously 
looking  for  something.  The  door  opens  behind  her 
very  carefully  and  Gorlov's  head  is  seen  sticking 
through  it.  He  looks  around  very  carefully.  Then 
he  enters. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  103 

Kate,  noticing  uncle  through  the  mirror  turns 
around  and  speaks  joyfully. 

Uncle !    At  last  you  are  here ! 

GORLOV 

There  is  nothing  suspicious  here,  is  there?  No  dan- 
ger, I  suppose?    Are  you  safe  here?    In  this  shanty? 

Kate 

Oh  yes,  uncle,  everything  is  all  right  here.  No  one 
sees  us  here ;  we  are  perfectly  safe.  But  please  speak, 
uncle,  speak.  Are  you  coming  from  the  court?  Well, 
what's  the  news?  Is  the  case  at  an  end?  What's  the 
verdict?    Why  don't  you  speak? 

GORLOV 

Not  yet,  we  have  no  verdict  yet,  but  let  me  come  to. 
My  heart  beats  so  fast.  Don't  you  know  I  could  hardly 
get  away  from  my  wife?  Your  aunt  would  not  lose 
me  for  a  second;  but  I  stole  away  just  the  same,  and 
then  you  ought  to  see  me  run,  just  to  bring  you 
some  news. 

Kate 

Oh  please  uncle  speak,  tell  me  everything. 

GORLOV 

Well,  so  far  everything  is  splendid,  just  splendid. 
Everj'thing  is  in  our  favor.  Oh,  you  ought  to  hear 
papa's  counsellor.  He  is  a  wonder!  What  a  speech! 
What  a  plea!  When  he  addressed  the  jury  everyone 
in  the  court  had  their  handkerchiefs  at  their  eyes.    Let 


104  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

me  see,  perhaps  I  can  think  of  it.  Oh  yes.  (Posing.) 
"  Gentlemen  of  the  jury,"  he  says, — "  this  was  not  a 
murder,  but  a  lawful,  a  legal  self-defence," — said  he. 
"  You  gentlemen  are  all  fathers,  and  just  think  of  your 
own  daughter,  j^our  only  daughter,  suddenly  finding 
herself  unprotected,  defenseless  in  the  power  of  a  man 
who  as  an  official  intends  to  commit  a  very  dastardly 
deed.  Whose  hand  gentlemen,  would  not  have  risen  in 
her  defense  ?  Would  not  everyone  of  you  here  present 
be  ready  to  sacrifice  your  own  life  to  defend  and  save 
your  own  child?  You  cannot  declare  a  man  guilty  of 
a  crime  that  you  would  have  committed  yourselves 
under  similar  circumstances." 

Kate 
Is  that  just  what  he  said?    That  is  splendid  I 

GORLOV 

And  as  to  the  money  that  was  found  on  Volkov  with 
the  note,  that  was  a  point  in  favor  of  your  father. 

Kate 
How  is  that? 

GORLOV 

Why,  don't  you  know?  That  means  that  father 
tried  to  pay  him  and  avoid  the  use  of  weapons.  The 
lawyer  brought  this  out  very  plainly.  When  he  was 
through,  you  ought  to  be  there  to  see  the  demonstra- 
tions in  court,  the  applause.  The  judge  was  going  to 
clear  the  court.  He  certainly  spoke  well,  that  devil  of 
a  lawyer.     If  the  trial  could  have  ended  with  this 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  105 

speech,  father  would  certainly  be  acquitted.  (Think- 
ing.) Well !  I  wonder  what  the  judge  will  say  ?  Now 
is  just  about  the  time  when  he  gives  the  instructions 
to  the  jury. 

Kate 

Oh  uncle,  why  didn't  you  stay  to  the  end?  You 
would  have  known  the  verdict,  but  as  it  is  you  really 
didn't  tell  me  anything. 

GORLOV 

Well  I  did  want  to  stay  to  the  end.  But  how  about 
aunt.    I  could  not  have  got  away  from  her,  you  know. 

Kate 

Yes  uncle.  I  guess  you  are  right,  after  all ;  a  little 
news  is  better  than  no  news  at  all. 

GORLOV 

Don't  worry  about  this,  Kate.  I  fixed  it  before  I 
left.  My  secretary  will  send  me  the  latest  news 
through  a  messenger.  I  told  him  where  I  would  be. 
He  is  a  very  honest  man.    He  is  all  right. 

Kate 

Thanks,  uncle,  thank  you  very  much.  It  was  very 
good  of  you  to  keep  me  here  and  to  think  of  me. 

GORLOV 

There  is  no  need  of  your  praises  Kate,  I  don't  see 
what  I  have  done  more  than  any  man  ought  to  do !    My 


106  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

wife  and  children  are  in  the  country.  This  house  was 
not  occupied  anyhow.  Why  not  have  you  stay  here 
and  make  you  comfortable? 

Kate^  smiling. 

If  the  police  should  get  to  know  whom  you  have  in 
your  house,  they  would  not  approve  of  it  very  well. 

GORLOV 

Oh  bosh !  who  is  afraid  of  them  ?  They  will  never 
get  to  know.  If  only  my  wife  should  not  get  to  know 
of  what  I  have  done.  Oh  dear  me,  what  a  noise  she 
would  make!  Just  think  of  the  kind  of  people  I  am 
mixing  with.  (Gazes  at  Kate.)  Say,  what  was  it  your 
people  were  trying  to  do  the  other  day  on  the  Obukovs 
Street,  eh?  They  were  firing  at  the  police,  eh ?  Why, 
how  could  they  do  that,  and  what's  the  use?  Your 
people  can't  do  a  thing.  You  see,  the  one  that  fired 
the  shot  was  taken  injured  to  jail.  See?  It's  too  bad. 
He  was  quite  a  young  man  at  that.  The  chief  of  police 
told  me. 

Kate 

It  was  a  young  man?  Who  was  it?  Did  the  chief 
teU  you? 

GOELOV 

Well,  the  name  is  not  known.  He  was  a  light-com- 
plected tall  fellow  with  gray  eyes,  age  about 
twenty-four. 

EIate,  places  both  hands  to  her  head. 
Oh  my  God !    That  was  he,  my  Dimitry. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  107 

GORLOV 

What's  the  matter  with  you?  There  are  lots  of 
"blonds"  with  gray  eyes. 

Kate 
Oh  no  uncle.    That's  Dimitry,  that's  Dimitry. 

GORLOV 

Well,  it's  too  bad  if  it  is  he,  but  I'll  have  to  see  the 
chief  and  find  out.  I'll  get  all  the  details.  I'm  only 
afraid  if  my  wife  should  .  .  . 

Looks  around.    A  loud  ringing  of  the  hell  in  hall. 
Kate 


It's  the  police ! 


GORLOV 


My  wife!    (A  knock  at  the  door.    To  Kate.)    Hide 
yourself ! 

Kate  hides,  servant  brings  in  a  note  on  a  small  tray. 


GoRLOv,  with  joy. 

Ah,  this  is  from  my  secretary.  (Reads.)  "  The  case 
is  taking  a  bad  turn.  The  instructions  to  the  jury  by 
the  judge  are  very  unfavorable."  (Discouraged.) 
Kate !    (Enter  Kate.)    Read ! 

Kate  reads,  turns  pale. 


108  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

GORLOV 

Never  mind,  ray  dear,  let  us  wait  to  the  end,  let  us 
not  lose  our  courage. 

Kate 

Uncle,  darling,  please  come  back  later,  again,  when 
the  trial  is  over  and  let  me  know.    "Will  you  please? 

GORLOV 

Why,  Kate  dear,  I  would  with  pleasure,  but  you  know 
yourself, — my  wife  you  know,  I  can't.  I'd  be  too  glad 
but  —  well  you'll  have  to  wait  till  the  morning.  I'll 
have  to  go  now,  my  wife  might, — well  (Looks  around.) 
Good-bye,  Kate,  don't  worry.  (Looks  around.)  Be 
brave!  good-bye. 

Goes  out. 

Kate,  alone. 

I'll  know  it  all  tomorrow,  about  father  and  about 
Dimitry.  Perhaps  I  may  never  know  anything  more 
about  Dimitry.  I  shall  think  about  Dimitry  day  and 
night.  I  shall  think  of  him  and  mourn  for  him  all  my 
life.  Oh,  this  is  terrible!  Why,  why  should  there  be 
so  much  suffering  in  our  life  in  this  world  ? 

Kate  sits  with  her  hands  clasped  on  her  lap,  ab- 
sorbed in  thought.  The  cuckoo  clock  on  the  wall 
strikes  twelve.  During  the  striking  a  light  tapping 
on  the  window  from  outside  is  heard.    Kate  jumps  up. 

Kate 

I  think  I  heard  a  rapping. 

She  waits.    Silence.    The  tapping  is  repeated. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  109 

Kate 

My  God!  Is  it  possible?  It's  his  tapping!  (She 
goes  up  to  the  window,  opens  the  shutters,  puts  her 
head  through  the  window,  whispers.)  Who  is  there? 
(Dimitry's  voice.)    That's  me.    May  I  come  in? 

Kate 
Yes!  yes! 
Buns  to  the  door  and  opens  it.    Enter  Norov. 

NOROV 

Yes,  my  darling,  alive  and  very  much  so.  How  are 
you,  sweetheart? 

Kate,  kissing  him. 

My  own,  my  dearest !  You  come  back  and  oh,  how 
happy  I  am!  (Kissing  him.)  How  good  it  feels  to 
see  you  again!  I  was  worrying  about  you  so  much. 
Here  I  am  alone,  without  the  slightest  chance  of  get- 
ting any  news  of  your  whereabouts.     I  thought  I'd 


go  crazy 


NoROV,  embracing  and  kissing  her. 
My  poor  girlie !    I  know  how  trying  it  is ! 

Kate 

But  why  didn't  you  come?  Why  didn't  you  let  me 
know  about  you  ?  I  thought  surely  you  were  dead.  .  . 
There  on  the  Obukov's  Street. 


110  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

NOROV,  in  a  lowered  voice. 
My  turn  has  not  come  yet,  but  Vladimir  is  taken. 

Kate 

My  God!  Vladimir?  This  is  dreadful.  Why  they 
will  .  .  .  execute  him. 

NOROV 

Well,  we'll  see  about  that. 

Kate 
Why?    Is  there  any  hope? 

NOROV 

Yes,  as  long  as  one  is  alive  there  is  always  hope. 

Kate 
Oh,  please  speak  more  plainly.    Tell  me. 

NOROV 

His  trial  will  take  place  in  Kieff  as  soon  as  he  gets 
better.  They  will  take  him  there.  We  will  rescue  him 
on  the  way.  I  have  a  plan.  I  am  going  there  tomor- 
row to  arrange  it  all. 

Kate 
Tomorrow?    So  soon? 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  111 

NOROV 

Every  hour  is  precious,  my  dear.  It  is  a  hard  job. 
I  can't  arrange  it  alone.  I  spoke  to  the  comrades 
about  this,  they  all  approve  of  it.  We  need  you,  Kate, 
and  I  came  to  call  you  back  to  us.  (Embracing  her.) 
We  will  be  together  again,  if  it  is  only  for  a  short 
while.    Tell  me,  dearie,  are  you  glad? 


Kate,  thinking  aimlessly. 

Yes,  it  would  be  a  great  joy  and  there  is  so  little  of 
it  in  our  life.  There  is  so  much  suffering  m  tlie  world. 
(Suddenly.)  No  it  is  impossible;  I  cannot  go 
with  you! 

Drops  her  hands. 


NOROV 

Why  can't  you?    What  has  happened? 

Kate 
How  about  father?    He  could  not  live  without  me. 

NOROV 

What  can  you  do  for  him  now?    Of  what  aid  can 
you  be  to  him? 

Kate 

They  will  send  him  to  Siberia  and  I  will  go  with 
him.    I'll  follow  him.    I  decided  so.    I  mustl 


112  THE  NEW  CONVERT 


NOROV 


Why,  Kate  dear,  what  are  you  talking  about?  Just 
think!  They  will  not  let  you  follow  him!  Besides, 
they  will  arrest  you  as  soon  as  you  will  appear.  .  .  . 

Kate 

They  would  never  know.  I  will  go  there  under  an 
assumed  name  with  a  strange  passport.  No  one  would 
ever  think  to  look  for  me  in  Siberia.  There  I  am 
positively  safe.  Anyhow,  why  should  I  think  of  dan- 
ger?   Why  should  it  bother  me? 

NoROV,  disappointed. 

So  .  .  .  this  is  it?  Well,  yes.  .  .  .  There  is  no 
need  of  fear  for  danger.  We  don't  have  to  think  of 
that,  but  (earnestly)  Kate,  tliis  is  silly,  this  is  suicide 
—  it  is  betraying  the  cause. 

Kate 

To  remain  with  you,  to  leave  the  old  man  alone, 
broken-hearted,  would  be  betraying  something  still 
higher,  .  .  . 

NOROV,  thoughtful. 

Yes,  I  see  it,  you  dare  not  leave  him.  He  is  a  grand 
old  man!  ...  I  understand,  but  how  about  me  .  .  . 
with  Vladimir.    I  figured  and  hoped  for  your  aid.  .  .  . 

Kate 

You'll  find  someone  else  that  will  help  you,  but  to 
him  I'm  the  only  one.  No  one  can  take  my  place 
with  him. 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  113 

NoROV,  affectionately. 

And   with   me    do   you   think   any   one   can   take 
your  place  ? 


Kate 

Dimitry,  my  dear  Dimitry,  do  you  think  it  is  so  easy 
for  me  to  leave  you  ?  But  dearest,  the  more  I  love  you 
the  more  I  am  ashamed  to  leave  my  father. 


NOROV 

Kate  darling,  do  I  want  you  to  leave  your  father 
for  my  sake?  I  swear,  if  I  had  been  sent  to  Siberia 
and  if  you  had  decided  to  leave  him  and  follow  me  I 
would  have  said  to  you  —  No !  You  must  stay  with 
your  father. 

Kate,  looks  at  him  sideways.  Speaks  affectionately 
and  softly. 

And  you  .  .  .  you  are  sure  .  .  .  you  would  have 
said  so  ...   ? 


NOROV,  after  a  moment's  hesitation. 

Yes,  I  am  sure!  Here  is  my  hand!  I  would  have 
hated,  despised  myself  if  I  had  acted  otherwise.  But 
you  and  I  and  all  our  comrades,  we  all  belong  to  the 
common  cause.  We  should  not,  we  must  not,  we  have 
no  right  to  sacrifice  ourselves  for  one  person,  however 
dear  he  might  be  to  us.  It  is  unfaithfulness,  it's  be- 
traying the  cause,  Kate. 


114  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

K1A.TE,  sadly. 

I  know  I  know  it,  but  it  isn't  that,  I  am  positive  it 
isn't  that.  You  seem  to  have  become  hardened  and  you 
do  not  realize  that  our  cause  does  not  consist  of  just 
printing  proclamations  and  bomb  throwing.  Our 
cause  is  much  deeper  and  broader;  it  is  altruistic,  it  is 
noble,  and  to  this  cause  will  I  devote  mj'self  also  in 
Siberia.  Just  think  of  his  sacrifice,  how  far  he  went 
—  that  grand  old  man  —  and  you  turn  around  and 
say :  "  Forsake  him,  let  him  alone  to  perish  friendless, 
we  need  you  for  the  great  social  cause."  How  can  a 
great  cause  demand  and  tolerate  such  mean  ungrate- 
fulness? This  would  be  a  stain  upon  our  cause,  a 
disgrace  to  me,  to  you,  to  all  of  us !  (Reproachfully.) 
And  you  don't  see  it?  Don't  you  feel  it ?  (Covers  her 
face  with  her  hands.)  How  could  I  bear  all  this? 
How  could  I  work  here,  knowing  that  he  is  dying 
there  all  alone? 

Sobbing. 


NOROV 

Forgive  me,  Kate.  You  are  right.  I  never  thought 
of  that.  There  are  times  when  we  must  follow  the 
dictates  of  our  own  heart,  rather  than  the  reasonings 
of  our  mind;  and  when  it  is  a  heart  like  yours,  its 
counsels  are  only  for  the  best.  I  will  see  the  comrades, 
I  will  explain  it  to  them,  they  will  understand  it  and 
you  shall  rise  in  their  esteem.  (He  sits  down  and 
lowers  his  head.)  Will  I  ever  see  you  again?  (In 
the  rear  on  the  Neva  is  seen  a  row-boat  and  the  music 
of  a  harmonica  is  heard  playing  "  Luchinushka/'  which 
is  a  signal  to  Norov.  He  jumps  up.)  They  are  calling 
me.    Good-bye,  my  dear  noble  sweetheart. 


THE  NEW   CONVERT  115 

Kate,  throws  her  arms  around  his  neck. 

Good-bye!  Don't  forget  me,  think  of  me,  if  only 
at  times,  think  of  your  Kate.  Tell  me,  will  you  think 
of  me? 

NoROV,  with  tears  in  his  voice. 
I  will! 
Stretches  out  his  hands  to  her. 

Kate,  stepping  hack  from  him  and  waving  her  hand 
to  him. 

Now  you  had  better  go.    It  is  time;  they  are  waiting. 

NoROV,  softly. 
Good-bye ! 

He  stands  a  moment,  then  he  quickly  turns  to 
the  door. 

Kate,  calls  softly. 
Dimitry! 


NOROV 


WeU? 


Kate 
Wait.  ...  I  ...  I  want  to  tell  you  something. 

NOROV 

Speak,  my  dear,  quickly,  they  are  calling  me. 
Harmonica  is  heard  again. 


116  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

Kate,  holds  on  to  his  coat,  speaks  with  tears  iti 
her  voice. 

Wait  .  .  .  now  .  .  .  tell  our  comrades  not  to  think 
ill  of  me  .  .  .  tell  them  I  haven't  changed  a  bit  .  .  . 
not  at  all  .  .  .  but  it  isn't  that  .  .  .  tell  them  that 
from  distant  Siberia  I  will  send  them  .  .  .  no,  it  isn't 
that  either.  .  .  .  (She  takes  his  head  in  her  hands  and 
looks  straight  into  his  face.)  Let  me  have  a  good  look 
at  you  for  the  last  time.  .  .  .  My  dearest,  how  happy 
we  could  have  been!  My  heart  is  just  torn  in  halves 
between  you  and  my  father.  .  .  .  Tell  me,  dearest,  is 
it  possible  that  one  should  act  properly  and  yet  suffer 
so  much?  Tell  me  honestly  as  a  brother  to  his  sister, 
am  I  acting  right? 

NOROV 

Yes,  Kate  you  are  doing  right.  You  said  well  — 
it's  a  case  of  honor  for  our  cause.  We  have  to  look  out 
not  only  for  our  party's  gain  but  for  its  honor.  You 
are  doing  right,  Kate. 

Kate 

Thank  you !  thank  you !  .  .  .  Now  I  feel  much  bet- 
ter.   (They  embrace.)    Good-bye! 

Norov  makes  an  attempt  to  go. 


Kate 

Wait,  I'll  take  you  through  the  garden,  so  that  no 
one  sees  you  from  the  street. 


THE  NEW   CONVERT  117 

They  exit  through  a  door  on  the  left.  Going  behind 
the  scenes  they  pass  by  the  window  and  are  seen  in  the 
garden.  The  stage  remains  empty  for  a  moment. 
Then  from  the  door  on  the  right,  enter  Moorinov.  He 
looks  around  and  appears  to  be  somewhat  disturbed. 

Moorinov 

It's  strange !  I've  been  in  every  room  in  this  house, 
but  I  cannot  find  her.  What  does  this  mean  ?  I  won- 
der where  she  is?  Did  she  go  away?  But  where? 
Where  could  I  look  for  her?  (Goes  to  the  door  that 
leads  to  the  garden  and  looks  out.)  Who  can  that  be 
there  at  the  gate?  A  man  and  a  woman.  They  are 
embracing!  .  .  .  Cannot  let  go  of  each  other.  Sad 
to  part.  Oh  my  God !  Why,  this  is  Norov  and  Kate ! 
(Joyfully.)  It's  her!  Kate!  Kate!  but  I  must  not 
cry  out  so  loudly;  someone  might  hear  her  name. 
(Softly.)    Kate!  Kate! 

Kate,  runs  in  and  throws  her  arms  around  his  neck. 

Papa !  Is  that  you  ?  Are  you  back  ?  Am  I  dream- 
ing?   Is  it  a  vision? 

Moorinov 

No,  no,  my  dear,  you  are  not  dreaming.  It's  me, 
your  father.  I  am  free,  Kate !  free !  the  jury  brought 
a  unanimous  verdict  of  "  not  guilty." 

Kate 

My  dear  papa!  Oh  what  joy!  How  happy  I  am! 
It  is  almost  unbelievable.  Wait,  let  me  have  a  good 
look  at  you.  (Looks  at  him.)  You  are  pale,  thin  and 
older,  my  dear  poor  papa! 


118  THE  NEW  CONVERT 

MOORINOV 

Never  mind,  I'll  be  looking  better  before  long.  In 
freedom  I'll  regain  my  health  and  will  recuperate. 

Kate 

Tell  me  how  did  it  all  happen?  I  never  expected 
that  they  would  acquit  you. 

MOORINOV 

Nor  did  I,  Kate;  but  you  see  they  declared  me  "not 
guilty."  The  jury  felt  that  I  was  innocent.  After 
all,  righteousness  gains  the  upper  hand  at  times. 
(Mournfully.)  Yes  .  .  .  people  found  me  not  guilty, 
but  God  punished  me.  That  shot  caused  the  death  of 
my  wife.  Now  you  are  an  orphan  without  a  mother, 
and  I  am  a  widower,  alone,  all  alone  in  the  world !  .  .  . 

Kate 

No  papa,  you  are  not  alone,  I  shall  never  leave 
you  again. 

MOORINOV 

You  will  not?  .  .  .  And  how  about  the  young  man 
with  whom  you  stood  there  at  the  garden  gate?  How 
about  Dimitry  and  your  comrades?  Are  you  going 
to  leave  them  for  my  sake? 

Kate,  lowers  her  head. 

Yes.  .  .  .  You  have  sacrificed  almost  everything  for 
my  sake;  now  you  need  me  and  I  will  stay  with  you. 
(Raises  her  head.)  My  dear  good  papa,  I  decided  to 
follow  you  if  they  had  sent  you  to  Siberia ! 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  119 

MOORINOV,  rises  and  speaks  very  affectionately. 

My  child,  is  that  how  dear  your  father  is  to  you? 
Thank  you,  my  child,  thank  you.  (Places  both  hands 
on  her  head.)  May  God  bless  you,  as  I  am  blessing 
you  now.  (Sits  down  on  the  arm-chair.)  Come  to  me, 
Kate,  come  sit  near  me,  sit  closer,  close  to  your  father. 
(Kate  seats  herself  on  the  side  of  the  arm-chair  and 
places  her  hand  on  his  shoulder.)  That's  it!  .  .  . 
That's  lovely!  .  .  .  (Pause,  silence.)  Kate  I  want  to 
tell  you  that  you  need  not  stay  away  from  Dimitry  and 
the  rest  of  your  friends.  You  need  not  make  such 
a  sacrifice. 

E1A.TE 

How  is  that,  papa?  Don't  you  want  me  to  stay 
with  you? 

MOORINOV 

Oh  yes  I  do,  I  do !  But  you  see,  you  wouldn't  have 
to  follow  me,  I'll  follow  you. 

Kate 
You  follow  me?    Why,  what  do  you  mean,  papa? 

MOORINOV 

Let  me  explain  it  all  to  you,  Kate.  You  see,  at  heart 
I  am  no  longer  the  same  as  I  used  to  be.  .  .  .  I've 
changed  a  great  deal.  ...  I  am  a  different  man 
now  ...  I  am  one  of  you.  .  .  .  Don't  think  that  I 
am  saying  this  on  the  impulse  of  the  moment,  Oh  no ! 
At  the  time  you  left  us,  Kate,  I  found  a  book  in  your 


120  THE   NEW    CONVERT 

room.  I  read  and  reread  that  book  and  I  understood 
it  all.  Those  ideas  that  are  in  that  book  got  hold  of 
me  powerfully.  I've  thought  the  matter  over  and  over 
again  and  I  have  decided  to  give  the  rest  of  my  years 
to  your  cause,  to  our  cause,  to  the  cause  that  strives 
to  abolish  Czardom  and  establish  freedom  in  our  coun- 
try. (Stretches  out  his  hand  to  her.)  Kate,  take  my 
hand  and  lead  me  into  the  ranks  of  those  who  fight  for 
the  noble  cause  of  freedom!  Will  you  accept  me  as 
your  comrade?    Can  I  be  of  any  help  to  you? 

Kate 

Papa,  darling!  Just  think  what  it  means?  To  go 
forever,  never  to  return !  Do  you  know,  do  you  realize 
what  awaits  you?  (She  rises  and  stands  before  Mm. 
He  looks  at  her.)  They  will  treat  you  a  great  deal 
more  severely  than  us,  because  you  were  once  theirs 
and  you  have  become  one  of  us. 

MOORINOV 

I  know  it,  I  realize  that,  but  what  care  I?  I  shall 
gladly  bear  it  all,  knowing  that  I  am  sharing  my  fate 
with  you.  I  have  lived  a  shameful  life.  I  was  one  of 
the  "  Idlers  "  who  are  living  as  parasites  and  are  not 
of  any  use  to  their  country  or  humanity.  Now,  let  me 
finish  living  the  rest  of  my  life  honestly  by  being  an 
aid  to  my  country  and  an  inspiration  for  the  genera- 
tions to  come. 

Kate 

But  just  think,  papa,  you  are  going  to  us  for  my 
sake.  I  may  perish,  and  you  may  never  see  me  again. 
Wouldn't  you  regret  it?    Wouldn't  you  be  sorry? 


THE  NEW  CONVERT  121 

MOORINOV 

No,  I  am  going  to  you  not  only  for  your  sake.  You 
have  made  a  resurrection  within  me,  through  your  love 
and  your  kindness.  At  first  I  believed  in  you  and  now 
I  believe  in  the  same  faith  that  you  have  given  your 
whole  life  for. 

Kate 

Now  give  me  your  hand  as  a  comrade,  papa.  We 
will  pursue  the  same  aim  in  life ;  we  will  walk  the  same 
path.  There  is  room  and  work  for  all  of  us,  and  many 
more.  Oh,  how  happy  Dimitry  will  be  and  the  rest  of 
the  comrades !  Oh,  how  they  will  love  you  as  soon  as 
they  will  learn  to  know  you,  and  you  will  love  them, 
as  your  own  children.  They  are  not  cruel  murderers 
as  they  are  pictured  to  be;  they  are  kind  and  loving 
people,  they  will  respect  you  and  take  care  of  you. 

MoORlNOV,  rises. 

No,  no,  Kate,  I  do  not  want  to  be  a  pet ;  this  is  not 
the  purpose  for  which  I  am  joining  your  ranks.  I 
want  to  be  like  the  rest  of  them,  fighting  for  freedom, 
and  facing  all  the  dangers  that  may  come.  Lead  me, 
Kate.  I  will  follow  you,  wherever  you  go,  you  have 
converted  me.    I  am  your  new  convert. 

Curtain  falls  slowly 

THE   END 


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